Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his silence following FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s public confrontation with a Naval officer in Abuja.
Frank described the incident as a “shameful reflection of Nigeria’s decaying governance culture” and a warning sign for the nation’s democracy.
In a statement, Frank condemned Wike’s conduct during the encounter, saying, “This unfortunate episode goes beyond one man’s temperament.
“It represents a deeper rot in our leadership culture, where power is exercised without restraint, and political loyalty now outweighs accountability,” Frank said.
The activist accused Wike of treating the FCT as his “personal fiefdom,” noting that his abrasive and authoritarian style undermines democratic principles.
“Since assuming office, Wike has acted as though the FCT were his personal property. His disregard for court orders, hostility to dissent, and contempt for opposition voices make a mockery of public service,” he added.
Frank also condemned President Tinubu’s silence on the incident, warning that failing to sanction Wike signals that some government officials are above the law.
“President Tinubu’s refusal to publicly caution or reprimand Wike has emboldened impunity and reinforced the perception that loyalty to the President outweighs loyalty to the country,” he said.
He praised the Naval officer for his restraint and composure, describing it as exemplary and deserving of commendation. “The officer’s calm in the face of provocation reflects the highest ideals of discipline, patriotism, and respect for uniform,” Frank stated.
Frank lamented that the incident, coupled with the Presidency’s silence, has embarrassed Nigeria internationally. “Incidents like this reinforce the perception, once voiced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, of Nigeria as a ‘disgraced country.’ While harsh, this kind of leadership failure gives weight to that label,” he said.
He warned that unchecked arrogance and abuse of power could erode public trust and threaten the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
“A democracy cannot thrive where arrogance is rewarded and accountability ignored. When ministers act with impunity and the President looks away, it weakens the moral fabric of governance and invites chaos,” he cautioned.
Frank urged President Tinubu to publicly reprimand Wike and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to humility, discipline, and respect for institutions.
“Authority must come with humility; enforcement must come with respect. Leadership is not intimidation. Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads between arrogance and accountability. The President’s silence cannot endure,” he concluded.
