Keypoints:
- Soldier blocks minister from disputed Abuja site
- Calm defiance earns national and online praise
- Wike defends visit, says soldiers lacked proof
A YOUNG Nigerian army officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has become a national talking point after footage surfaced showing him standing firm against a senior government minister during a heated confrontation over a disputed plot of land in the capital, Abuja.
The viral video, widely shared on social media this week, captures Yerima refusing entry to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who had arrived at the location with his entourage. Despite the minister’s anger, the soldier calmly explained that he was following orders from his superiors not to allow access.
In the clip, Wike can be heard berating the soldier, saying: ‘You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.’ Yerima, visibly composed, responds: ‘I am not a fool, sir.’
Nigerians hail ‘bravery and professionalism’
The exchange has sparked a wave of admiration across Nigeria, where citizens have hailed Yerima’s composure and integrity. Many see his response as a rare act of courage in a country where lower-ranking officials are often reluctant to challenge powerful figures.
‘I commend the gallantry of Lieutenant A.M. Yerima for his unshakable boldness and composure despite the offensive utterances from the FCT minister,’ one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another commented: ‘Discipline, courage, and integrity — the true spirit of the Nigerian military. The young officer stood his ground with professionalism and honour.’
Dozens of Nigerians have reportedly changed their WhatsApp display photos to the officer’s image, turning him into an unlikely symbol of accountability and restraint in public service.
Minister defends his visit to the site
Wike, a former governor of the oil-producing Rivers State and an influential member of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, told journalists he visited the disputed land after receiving reports that Abuja Metropolitan Management Council officials had been chased away by soldiers.
He insisted that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory administration, which he oversees, and said his team was investigating allegations of illegal construction and encroachment.
‘This is what prevents us from progressing,’ Wike said. ‘When the officials came, they said soldiers chased them away. I thought they did so illegally.’
The minister added that the soldiers at the scene could not present documents authorising their presence on the site.
Military yet to comment
The Nigerian military has not commented on the incident, nor has it clarified why soldiers were stationed at the property. The BBC, which first reported the story, said it had reached out to the army for a statement.
The confrontation has since fuelled public debate about power dynamics in Nigeria, with many praising the soldier’s restraint as a rare display of professionalism in a politically charged environment.
