The Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria has condemned what it described as the “inflammatory and unsubstantiated” comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd).
In a statement issued on Thursday, the coalition said Wike’s remarks at a public event on November 13 represented “a new low in public discourse” and amounted to an attack on a national figure who served Nigeria for more than four decades.
The group said Buratai’s service record—from his commissioning in 1983 to leading the military against insurgency between 2015 and 2021, as well as his diplomatic posting—was in the public domain and undeserving of political ridicule. It described the FCT Minister’s comments as “unpatriotic” and rooted in conjecture rather than fact.
The coalition accused Wike of inconsistency, noting that similar allegations he now directed at Buratai were previously made against other political actors, including a former GOC and former governor Rotimi Amaechi. According to the statement, the sudden redirection of such claims raises doubts about the Minister’s credibility and motives.
“Is this a genuine pursuit of truth or a desperate afterthought?” the coalition queried, adding that Nigerians “are not suffering from political amnesia” and can spot contradictions.
The group challenged the Minister to present any evidence he has regarding alleged election manipulation or other misconduct by the former army chief. It argued that serious allegations should be taken to investigative and judicial bodies rather than “thrown about at press conferences for political spectacle.”
“Allegations are not proof,” the statement read. “If there is credible evidence, let the Minister tender it. Otherwise, the remarks amount to nothing more than character assassination.”
Contrasting the careers of both men, the coalition said Buratai’s legacy was marked by national defence and diplomacy, while Wike’s contributions had been largely partisan and political. It accused the Minister of directing his frustrations—rooted in his failed 2022 presidential primary bid—towards a respected elder statesman who “has never been rejected by the people he served.”
The coalition demanded an “unreserved” public apology from Wike to Buratai and to Nigerians, insisting that his comments undermined the dignity of his office. It further urged the Minister to forward any evidence he claims to possess to appropriate authorities or withdraw his allegations.
The group concluded by urging Nigerians and institutions to defend truth and national values, insisting that Buratai represents sacrifice and honour.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi (Convener), Barr. John Atani (Secretary), and Comrade Jide Alofe (Public Relations Officer).
