-Yerima, posted there under the Nigerian Navy’s watch, stood guard, firm, unmoved.
A fiery confrontation between power and principle brought Abuja to a halt.
On one side stood Nyesom Wike, the fiery Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister.
Opposite him, a young naval officer, Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima: calm, upright, unflinching.
The confrontation, filmed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Gaduwa District, has since gone viral on social media.
The video of the confrontation has ignited a storm across Facebook, X, and TikTok.
The clip captures a rare scene: a minister shouting commands, a uniformed officer refusing to yield.
Wike had arrived at Plot 1946, an allegedly unapproved construction site, flanked by aides and security.
The land, the FCT says, lacked proper documents. Yerima, posted there under the Nigerian Navy’s watch, stood guard, firm, unmoved.
Then came the spark.
“You cannot continue to work illegally,” Wike barked, pointing at Yerima.
Soldiers, Wike, FCTA officials, go physical to gain access to land in Abuja… pic.twitter.com/DTrbmZXmCc
— NigerianReports (@NG_reports) November 11, 2025
The lieutenant’s reply was sharp and steady.
“Sir, I am a commissioned officer. I have integrity. I am not a fool, Sir, and you have no right to call me one.”
Cameras rolled as Wike flared. “You are a big fool?” he shouted.
“I will not accept insult, Sir,” Yerima fired back, voice rising but measured.
For a moment, the air crackled. Officers fidgeted. Aides froze.
Then, in a swirl of dust and silence, Wike turned and stormed off.
Nigerians react
The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with the majority of Nigerians siding with the military officer.
The majority hailed Yerima as a symbol of courage, a soldier unbent before political power.
“Thank you, Officer Yerima, for standing your ground,” one priest wrote on Facebook.
Another post on X read simply: “A new hero is born in uniform.”
Others saw indiscipline. “A minister represents civilian authority,” one lawyer argued.
“That officer’s defiance is dangerous.”
A symbol beyond words
For many, the standoff highlighted a significant divide in Nigeria – one that pits arrogance against accountability and power against respect.
For ordinary Nigerians, Yerima’s stand felt different: a glimpse of restraint, of dignity against intimidation.
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