Lawyer Petitions CJN to Suspend FCT Minister Wike from Body of Benchers 

Lawyer Petitions CJN to Suspend FCT Minister Wike from Body of Benchers

A prominent Abuja-based lawyer, Barrister Bob James, has formally petitioned Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, calling for the suspension of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the Body of Benchers. The petition, submitted on November 17, 2025, accuses Wike of “dishonourable public conduct” after a widely circulated video captured him verbally confronting a naval officer during a land dispute.

In his petition, James argued that Wike’s behaviour “falls far short of the standard expected of a bencher.” He decried Wike’s use of vulgar language and aggressive tone calling the officer a “fool” as unprecedented among benchers, who are supposed to be guardians of the legal profession’s highest moral and ethical standards.

James urged the CJN to launch a full investigation into the November 11 incident and to suspend Wike from the Body of Benchers pending the outcome. He warned that allowing Wike to participate in the next call-to-bar ceremony would undermine the integrity and credibility of the institution: “They [new wigs] would … question how a body tasked with disciplining erring lawyers can do so credibly when a senior member like Wike is the one under scrutiny.”

The petition cites Section 4(1)(e) of the Legal Practitioners Act, which requires benchers to be persons of “good character,” and draws on international professional conduct standards referencing guidance from England’s Solicitors Regulation Authority on offensive personal conduct outside formal legal practice.

Beyond the petition, other voices in civil society and the legal world have weighed in:

Femi Falana, SAN, has called on President Bola Tinubu to compel Wike to publicly apologise to the naval officer, calling the minister’s remarks disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official.

CHRICED, a human rights organization, has condemned the episode as a dangerous display of arrogance and a threat to institutional integrity, and is demanding Wike’s immediate dismissal.

On the other hand, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) says Wike deserves a national apology, arguing that the naval officer prevented him from carrying out his civil duties at the disputed property.

There are also strong reactions within government. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, said Wike ignored advice from service chiefs and engaged the officer directly. Meanwhile, General Lucky Irabor, retired, warned that disrespecting a uniformed officer undermines state authority, stressing that the military deserves due respect irrespective of rank.

Some citizens have gone beyond calls for suspension. As you noted, you believe Wike should be expelled immediately, along with those around him, citing behavior that you say constitutes a public nuisance. Indeed, many Nigerians on social media say this is not just a breach of professional ethics but a broader pattern of impunity.