Sowunmi Says Tinubu Administration Now Faces a ‘Wike Problem’

Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Segun Sowunmi has accused the Federal Government of failing to properly manage the conduct of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, arguing that the minister’s public behaviour is worsening public frustration and damaging the government’s image.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Sowunmi linked his concerns to Wike’s recent altercation with a naval officer in Abuja, a confrontation that sparked widespread debate and triggered numerous viral skits online.

According to him, public commentary across radio, television and social media shows that Nigerians are increasingly uneasy about the minister’s approach to governance and communication.

‘Energetic but mismanaged’ — Sowunmi’s critique of Wike’s style

While describing Wike as “energetic, competent, goal-driven, with evidence of performance,” Sowunmi argued that the minister had become “a mismanaged, excessively irritating and garrulous aide,” whose media conduct inevitably reflects on President Tinubu.

“The amount of invective you put out at people increases their ability to first dislike you, and then by inference begin to dislike your principal,” he said.

Sowunmi maintained that the confrontation with the naval officer was mishandled, insisting that Wike’s constant public outbursts and clashes with notable figures contribute to public irritation.

Read also: Tensions Flare as Wike Clashes With Military Officer Over Alleged Land Grab in Abuja

“In your ‘I’m bigger than everybody, I’m very strong’ attitude, you put yourself in a situation where a junior ranking officer is forced to hold the line before you,” he said. “You seem to have issues with almost all our revered leaders in the country.”

Viral clash renews questions about government conduct

Public debate intensified after a video emerged showing Wike confronting a naval officer over an alleged attempt by soldiers to block FCTA officials from entering a disputed property in Gaduwa, Abuja. The land was reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Wike accused the officers of impunity during the encounter, insisting that FCTA officials had been assaulted while on a lawful assignment.

Defending his actions on Thursday, the minister said he intervened because “government officials are being attacked and beaten up,” arguing that the FCTA had no legal record of allocation for the land in question. He stressed that even retired officers must follow due process.

Sowunmi, however, cautioned that such confrontations were damaging to the administration and offered advice he once received from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“He said the armed forces will not take orders from someone they consider not professionally competent,” he recalled, adding that public officials must exercise restraint when dealing with military institutions.

Sowunmi warned that repeated controversies surrounding the minister risk embarrassing the government, saying: “You cannot be an irritating, garrulous aide of a government. You are serving the citizens of Nigeria. You are serving at the behest of the president. You must control yourself and manage yourself better.”