By Hon. (Dr) Kenneth Gbandi
The now-viral confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a soldier in Abuja is more than political drama. For me, it is a defining moment in the struggle for a new Nigeria, one where even the ordinary Nigerian or an officer refuses to surrender his dignity before power. Today we are that offers who is saying to power “I am not a Fool and I Won’t Shut Up”
I commend that soldier. He stood his ground, followed his orders, and refused intimidation from a public figure known for verbal aggression. In a country where uniformed officers are often humiliated by the powerful, his firmness is a spark of hope and courage.
But beyond the applause lies a deeper problem: this clash exposes the instability of Nigeria’s security architecture. It reminds me of the Magodo incident in Lagos, where a polite police officer also professionally refused to give a sitting governor access to disputed property. Both scenarios highlight a disturbing reality of our security challenges: our so-called chief security officers often lack real operational control over the forces they are meant to command, and jurisdictions remain blurred.
In countries like Germany, France or the United States, by contrast, security responsibilities are clearly delineated. There are federal, state, and local jurisdictions, and every security agency has a legally defined scope of authority. For example, the FBI handles federal matters, state police enforce state law, and local police departments address municipal issues and each aware of the limits of their powers. This clarity prevents the kind of operational confusion that creates public spectacle and erodes confidence in law enforcement.
Nigeria, unfortunately, has yet to achieve such clarity in our security architecture. The overlap of authority between ministers, governors, and uniformed personnel often leaves officers caught in the middle, facing impossible choices. This confusion is dangerous. It weakens institutions, embarrasses leadership, and undermines public confidence in the ability of security agencies to fight insecurity effectively.
Yet, I also see a silver lining. These officers, calm, firm, and principled represent a rising generation of Nigerians who insist on professionalism, even in the face of political pressure. They show that rules can prevail over personality, and that the culture of intimidation is slowly losing ground.
The Abuja clash should be a wake-up call to our leaders: power must be responsible, not performative. Our security system must be rebuilt on clarity, discipline, and respect for lawful command.
If we learn the right lessons, this moment, loud as it was, may be remembered as one of the early signs that a new Nigeria is possible.
And it will not be built by the mighty alone, but by everyday Nigerians who boldly say:
“I won’t shut up. I am not a fool.”
Hon. Dr. Kenneth Gbandi is an international development strategist and Peace and Security Expert (Uni-HH, Germany), with presence in both Germany and Nigeria. A former Nigerian Senatorial Candidate, Publisher and founder of African Heritage Magazine, the longest-serving leader of the Nigerian Diaspora Organization (NIDO) in Europe. Dr. Gbandi, was the immediate past ADC Deputy National Chairman Diaspora and currently the Chairman of the ADC Delta State Coalition Unveiling Committee. He is widely recognized as a leading voice in democratic reform, diaspora empowerment, and sustainable community development.
