- A heated confrontation occurred between Nyesom Wike and a Naval officer during a land enforcement visit in Abuja.
- Wike accused those on site of blocking government officials.
- The Naval officer defended his actions, saying he was acting on orders.
- The clash triggered national reactions, with many Nigerians debating power misuse.
The dispute unfolded when FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led officials of the Development Control team to inspect a piece of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja, reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The Minister said the property had no valid approvals, claiming it was acquired through unlawful means.
However, upon arrival at the site, Wike and his team were stopped by armed Naval personnel stationed at the gate. The soldiers, led by Lt. A.M. Yerima, refused access and insisted they were acting on strict orders not to allow anyone into the property.
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In a video that quickly caught national attention, Wike demanded entry and questioned who authorized the soldiers to block a federal minister. The exchange soon escalated when Wike raised his voice, and the young officer firmly replied that he could not be silenced because he was a “commissioned officer with integrity.”
The situation became tense when Wike, visibly angered, insulted the officer, who remained composed and reiterated that he was only obeying command structure.
Speaking to journalists after the encounter, Wike expressed shock that soldiers could challenge government authority, alleging that the land developers were using security personnel to intimidate officials enforcing the law. He insisted that no one, whether a former military chief or a civilian is above the law.
Reactions to the incident were instant and divided. Some Nigerians demanded disciplinary action against the officer for defying a minister, while others hailed him for maintaining professionalism and refusing to succumb to intimidation.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, strongly criticized Wike’s conduct, saying that insulting an officer in uniform undermines national security. Buratai argued that public officials must respect the armed forces, adding that the minister should apologize.
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The Chief of Defence Staff also weighed in, praising the officer’s calmness and emotional intelligence, noting that military training emphasizes restraint even under verbal assault.
On social media, citizens expressed support for the officer, celebrating his strong stance on integrity. Influencers and public figures offered financial rewards, calling him an example of discipline in the armed forces. Others argued that Wike should have followed a formal procedure instead of attempting to enforce directives personally.
The debate remains heated, but one thing is clear: the Wike–Naval officer clash has ignited a larger conversation about authority, respect, and the boundaries of political power in Nigeria.
