During a recent interview on TVC News, Dr. Marindoti addressed the ongoing controversy between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Naval Officer A.M. Yerima. Sharing his perspective, the public affairs commentator stressed that the military must remain loyal to the constitution and the Nigerian people, not individuals pursuing private interests.
According to Dr. Marindoti, Yerima’s conduct in the confrontation with Wike was inappropriate, as he appeared to be acting outside the authority of his official duties. He emphasized that Yerima was “employed by the Nigerian Government” and therefore “shouldn’t be carrying out the private need of a man.” The doctor argued that military officers must remember their allegiance lies with the state and not with any private individual, no matter their rank or influence.
While clarifying that he is “not a fan of Nyesom Wike,” Dr. Marindoti said he admired the minister’s stance in this instance. “What I saw was Wike standing in defense of a constitutional republic that is a democracy, that has a rule of law, and the military man standing there in his own capacity as the law because he believes he has the power,” he explained. He urged Nigerians to look beyond political bias and recognize the deeper constitutional implications of the incident.
Dr. Marindoti further highlighted that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has the authority to deploy military personnel. “There’s only one person that has the authority to deploy military for whatever purpose it is, and that is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu did not authorize Yerima’s presence at the disputed site, saying, “If he did, then we will need an explanation.”
Condemning what he described as a recurring pattern of military overreach, Dr. Marindoti noted, “This is not the first time that the military in Nigeria will be oppressing a civilian. The military continues to violate the law and act as if they are above the constitution.” He reminded officers that “no military officer should obey an illegal order,” urging a return to respect for democratic principles.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Marindoti criticized those defending Yerima’s actions, describing them as “useful idiots” who are “not thinking well because they don’t like Wike.”
“In his Words”
“Those praising Yerima are useful idiots who are not thinking well because they don’t like Wike”, Dr Marindoti said.
