A recent clash between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a military officer at a construction site in Abuja has raised questions about who can legally issue commands to military personnel in Nigeria.

The encounter, which went viral online, saw Wike attempting to access a restricted area, only to be blocked by soldiers led by Lt. AM Yerima.

Military Hierarchy and Discipline

Retired Navy Captain Umar Bakori explained that the military operates on strict hierarchy and discipline.

Every officer is required to obey orders from those legally authorized to give commands. Orders from anyone outside this chain of command, regardless of position or influence, have no legal effect.

The Four People Who Can Command Military Officers

According to Nigerian law and military regulations, only four categories of people have the authority to command military officers on duty:

1. The President – As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President’s orders are binding and must be followed by all military personnel at all times.
2. Superior Officers – Officers must obey orders from those higher in rank. Even if a superior later realizes an order was mistaken, only the original issuer can amend or withdraw it.
3. Minister of Defence – Acting as the President’s representative on the National Security Council, the Minister of Defence can issue commands that military officers are legally bound to follow.
4. Acting President – In the absence of the President, the acting president assumes full authority over the military and can issue lawful orders.

Why Wike’s Order Was Ignored

According to Captain Bakori, Lt. AM Yerima and his team refused Wike’s directive because the law does not grant an FCT minister the authority to command military officers.

“The law that defines the people to whom a military officer must obey does not include the FCT minister, so the order he gave has no effect on the military leader and the junior officers who are with him at this time,” he said.

Captain Bakori stressed that officers are only obliged to follow lawful orders from recognized authorities, and ignoring commands from others does not constitute disobedience.