The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has criticised what it described as “reckless and uncivil behaviour” by public officials, warning that such conduct undermines Nigeria’s image and erodes public trust in governance.
In a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), executive director of CISLAC and head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, the organisation said public office demands restraint, humility, and discipline — not arrogance or abuse of power.
“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.
CISLAC was reacting to a recent public altercation between Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and a military officer, describing the incident as “gross indiscipline and recklessness unbecoming of a public officer.”
The group said Wike’s behaviour reflects “a consistent pattern of arrogance and lack of emotional control,” which it traced back to his tenure as governor of Rivers state.
“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 said.
CISLAC also noted that over 52 civil society organisations had recently called for an impartial investigation into Wike over allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and breaches of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.
The organisation said Wike’s confrontation with the military officer was “reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous to national security,” especially at a time when Nigeria is battling multiple internal threats.
The group commended the officer involved for maintaining discipline despite provocation, saying his conduct reflected “the integrity and command ethics that define Nigeria’s military.”
Rafsanjani urged President Bola Tinubu to take firm action, insisting that individuals who lack self-control and respect for institutions should not hold 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 said.
CISLAC further cautioned that Wike’s frequent outbursts and “militarised approach to governance” reveal a worrying lack of emotional intelligence expected of a public servant.
The organisation called on Wike to publicly apologise to the officer, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu, stressing that “national security must always come first.”