By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for greater decorum, restraint, and respect among public officials in the discharge of their duties, warning that uncivil behaviour by government functionaries sends a wrong signal about Nigeria’s governance culture to the international community.
In a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, the organisation said public officials are expected to be “civil, disciplined, and guided by the principles of public service and respect for the rule of law.”
“Public officials are supposed to be civil and civilised in carrying out their responsibilities and must understand the code of conduct that guides public office,” Rafsanjani said. “The idea of public officials attacking security personnel is unacceptable and passes a wrong message about the nation. They must be role models, not symbols of impunity.”
CISLAC expressed concern that the recent public altercation involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a military officer represents “gross indiscipline and recklessness unbecoming of a public officer,” adding that government “should not be run with such impunity and arrogance.”
“The character and conduct exhibited by the FCT Minister, from his time as a governor to his current role, show a pattern of recklessness and poor emotional control. Governance demands humility, restraint, and respect for institutional boundaries,” the statement added.
CISLAC recalled that just recently, a network of over 52 Nigerian civil society organisations working on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the FCT Minister over serious allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and potential violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.
The organisation described Wike’s recent verbal assault on a military officer as “reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous to national security,” especially at a time when Nigeria faces multiple security challenges and increasing international scrutiny.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain one of the nation’s most respected institutions, both at home and abroad,” the statement continued. “To ridicule such a vital national body when the country is under immense internal and external pressure is irresponsible and unacceptable.”
CISLAC commended the officer involved for maintaining discipline and professionalism despite provocation, saying his composure reflected “the integrity and command ethics that define Nigeria’s military.”
Rafsanjani urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take firm action, stating that “people who lack humility, self-control, and respect for institutional order should not be entrusted with public office.”
“This is the first time in recent years that a minister has engaged in such open disrespect towards the Armed Forces, and it should not be tolerated,” he warned.
CISLAC also cautioned that Wike’s frequent outbursts and militarised approach to governance “reflect a worrying lack of emotional intelligence and discipline in public service.”
“There is a pressing need for the FCT Minister to demonstrate self-control and discipline in governance,” the statement read. “His pattern of reckless public statements and actions must serve as a wake-up call. Managing emotions, desires, and behaviour responsibly is the hallmark of true leadership.”
CISLAC called on the FCT Minister to publicly apologise to the officer involved, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu, reiterating that “national security must always come first.”
“It is time for leadership that strengthens, not weakens, public trust in institutions. The integrity of our Armed Forces and Nigeria’s international image demand nothing less,” the statement concluded.
