Falana urges Tinubu to compel Wike to apologise, criticizes derogatory remarks, and calls for law students’ active national engagement.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged President Bola Tinubu to compel FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to apologise for insulting a serving naval officer, A. M. Yerima, during a dispute over Abuja land. Speaking at the University of Abuja’s Legal Year opening, Falana said, “On no ground should a Minister insult or abuse a citizen. No Minister has the power to call any Nigerian a fool. Mr. President should compel the Minister to apologize. He was lucky he was not shot.”
While acknowledging Wike’s statutory authority under the Land Use Act, Falana criticized his conduct as lacking decorum and emotional intelligence. He also faulted the naval officer for preventing lawful ministerial duties. Falana further raised concerns over the government’s plan to repatriate former Senate Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu from UK prison, questioning neglect of other Nigerians serving sentences abroad.
Falana urged law students to embrace technology, engage in national issues, and promote justice. He was conferred the title “Senior Advocate of the Masses” during the event.