"How can I sit quietly in my office when government officials, including directors, are being attacked and beaten?"
— Wike defends his clash with Lt. A.M. Yerima

Reacting to the recent incident involving a naval officer, Minister Nyesom Wike expressed concern about the safety and morale of government officials, saying:

“How can I effectively serve as a minister when government officials are being attacked and intimidated? These are public servants, yet they face threats while sitting in their offices, trying to perform their duties. How can they carry out their responsibilities if they feel unprotected?

“I’ve had calls from respected figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President and head of state, or General Theophilus Danjuma, who are retired generals. When they encounter a problem, they call a minister directly. There’s no intimidation, no threat just respect. And I ensure their issues are addressed promptly. That is how respect and protocol work.

“This is very different from situations where serving officers engage in acts of indiscipline. For instance, when a serving major general attacked a control, I immediately wrote a letter to the President and the Chief of Defence Staff, who was the Chief of Army Staff at the time, to address the matter. Everything falls under the authority and control of the military, and proper channels must be observed.

“Before I assumed office, contracts had been awarded to develop areas close to military barracks. Contractors were chased away. I intervened, involving the late Chief of Army Staff, Chief Olabanji, and other relevant defense officials, to find solutions without conflict. I have always respected established processes, and I continue to prioritize resolution through dialogue rather than confrontation.”