Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly apologize for using demeaning language against a serving naval officer, A. M. Yerima, during a confrontation over a disputed land parcel in Abuja.
Falana made the appeal on Thursday while speaking at the opening of the Legal Year of the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Law, an event hosted by the Law Students Association of Nigeria. He described the clash between Wike and the officer as a troubling example of both men stepping outside the boundaries of the law.
According to Falana, no public official has the authority to insult citizens, regardless of the circumstances. He stressed that even though Wike was exercising his powers under Section 11 of the Land Use Act, his conduct lacked emotional intelligence and respect for the public. Falana pointed to a similar situation in Ghana where a minister was ordered to apologize for insulting a citizen, saying humility should guide those in public office.
Falana also faulted the naval officer for obstructing the Minister from carrying out his duties and condemned the officer’s claim of acting on “superior orders” while guarding a private property. He stated that such orders were unlawful, though he commended the officer for keeping calm during the exchange.
Speaking further at the event, Falana tackled reports that the Federal Government is considering allowing former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to complete his UK prison term in Nigeria after his conviction for organ trafficking. He questioned why the government appears concerned about Ekweremadu while hundreds of other Nigerians remain incarcerated in the United Kingdom without similar attention.
Falana said he plans to challenge the proposed arrangement, describing it as questionable since no British national is serving a prison sentence in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the event’s theme, “Litigation as the Bloodline of Justice: Building the Next Generation of Advocates,” Falana encouraged law students across the region to embrace digital tools as courts increasingly adopt virtual hearings and electronic filing. He also urged them to remain active in national conversations and champion justice and accountability.
During the ceremony, Falana received the honorary title of “Senior Advocate of the Masses,” which he dedicated to underprivileged Nigerians.
Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law, commended the students’ association for helping future lawyers connect academic learning with real legal practice. He emphasized the importance of integrity, discipline, and strong ethical values as essential qualities for the next generation of legal professionals.
LAWSAN President Abiola Akingbolu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to mentorship and professional development, noting that guidance from experienced lawyers is vital in preparing young advocates for the demands of the legal field.
