The Incident Between FCT Minister and Navy Lieutenant
An incident involving the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a Navy lieutenant, A.M. Yerima, has sparked significant public attention in Nigeria. The altercation reportedly occurred over the development of a plot of land in Abuja, which is allegedly linked to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo. The situation has led to widespread reactions on social media, with many praising Yerima for his composure during the confrontation.
Defence Minister’s Statement on Protecting Military Personnel
In response to the incident, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, emphasized that the federal government and military leadership would protect all soldiers engaged in lawful duties. During a press conference held on Wednesday, Badaru addressed journalists regarding the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, stating:
“Well, at the ministry, and indeed in the armed forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. So, we are looking into this issue, and we assure you that any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him as long as he is doing his job, and he is doing his job very well.”
This statement reflects the government’s stance on ensuring the safety and dignity of military personnel while they carry out their responsibilities.
Cryptic Post from Defence Headquarters
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also made a cryptic post on its official X handle following the viral video of the incident. The post, shared on its verified account (@DHQNigeria), read: ‘IT IS AN HONOUR TO SERVE IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY. UNSHAKEN. UNBENT. UNBROKEN.’ Accompanied by an image of a saluting soldier, the message did not directly reference Mr. Wike or the land dispute. However, the timing and tone have led to speculation that it was a veiled approval of the naval officer’s courage in maintaining decorum despite the minister’s use of foul language.
Claims of Scam Involving Former Naval Chief
Lere Olayinka, media aide to Wike, claimed that Awwal Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was scammed in a land dispute in Abuja and resorted to military force to assert his claim. Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Olayinka stated that Gambo does not possess a title document proving ownership of the disputed land. He challenged Gambo to confirm whether he submitted a building plan for the land to the FCT Development Control Office and whether those plans were approved.
Olayinka recounted how the land was allocated in 2007 to one Santos Estate Limited for park and recreation purposes. He said the company did not develop the land because it was designated as a parkway and walkway. In 2022, Santos Estate Limited requested the FCT to convert the land’s use to commercial use, but the then Minister of FCT refused to approve the conversion. Following the refusal, the company allegedly began partitioning and selling the land, including to the former naval chief.
Criticism from Former Army Chief
Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff, described the confrontation as a grave threat to Nigeria’s national security and institutional integrity. He warned that a minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the core of the nation’s command and control structure. Buratai called for immediate redress, urging Wike to tender an apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Commentary
Journalism professor and columnist, Farooq Kperogi, praised Yerima’s composure and courage during the confrontation, describing it as a rare moment of defiance against intimidation. He noted that many Nigerians saw Yerima as the first person to publicly stand up to Wike’s ‘boisterous, venomous-tongued cantankerousness.’ Kperogi highlighted Yerima’s repeated refrain of ‘I am not a fool, sir’ as a symbol of respectful but firm defiance against an insufferably self-important ministerial hoodlum.
Concerns About Institutional Disarray
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), commented on the incident, calling it an ‘unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder’ in Nigeria. He stressed that the episode raises urgent questions about the use of the military in civilian matters, respect for administrative boundaries, and the culture of civility.
Legal Perspective on Land Disputes
A presidential aide, Gimba Kakanda, cautioned against framing the clash between Wike and naval officers as mere theatrics, emphasizing that the controversy must be understood within the framework of the Land Use Act. He noted that Section 5 of the Act vests wide powers in the Governor or FCT Minister to allocate, manage, and revoke land for overriding public interest. Kakanda argued that military interference in civil administration undermines constitutional supremacy.
Public Support for the Navy Lieutenant
Many users on social media have expressed support for Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, commending his gallantry, boldness, and composure despite the offensive utterances from the FCT minister. One user wrote: ‘Discipline, courage, and integrity. The true spirit of the Nigerian military. The young officer A.M Yerima stood his ground with professionalism and honour.’
