FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has offered a detailed clarification regarding his now-viral confrontation with naval officer Lt. Ahmad Yerima, an incident that sparked intense nationwide debate and dominated online discussions.
The clash unfolded during an enforcement visit to a contested property in Abuja, where Lt. Yerima allegedly stood his ground and blocked Wike and his delegation from entering the site. The dramatic exchange was captured on camera and circulated widely across social media platforms, leading to diverse interpretations of Wike’s remarks.
A major point of controversy was the claim that Wike called the officer a “fool,” a statement many Nigerians felt disrespected the military. The minister, however, has now addressed the matter directly, insisting that his comments were misinterpreted and twisted by public perception.
According to Wike, he never insulted the Nigerian military or its personnel, stressing that he deeply respects the Armed Forces and recognizes the sacrifices they make daily to maintain national security. He explained that his comments were directed at the illegality of the officer’s action, not his person.
“Some said I told the boy, ‘you’re a fool.’ What I meant is this: you cannot be carrying out an illegal order. I didn’t say the military is a fool; I would never say that. I know the role they play in this country and what they pass through fighting terrorists,” Wike clarified.
He went on to highlight his consistent support for the military throughout his tenure, noting that since assuming office as FCT Minister, he has approved equipment, logistics, and operational support to strengthen their fight against criminal elements within the capital territory.
“I have always given my support for security reasons. Go and see what I provided for them to fight and do their work,” he added, emphasizing that he has no reason to demean or undermine an institution he actively empowers.
While defending his respect for the military, Wike maintained that Lt. Yerima’s conduct in the video did not align with professional military protocol. He stated that the officer’s actions contradicted the training and expectations of a commissioned officer entrusted with enforcing the law, not obstructing it.
“If I know all that, why will I say he’s a fool? But you—what you’re doing is not what you’re taught as an officer. You’re not carrying out the duty expected of you,” Wike said, making clear that his concern was about inappropriate conduct, not personal insult.
The minister’s clarification has reignited debates over civil-military relations, the boundaries of military involvement in non-combat matters, and the legal implications of officers intervening in property enforcement matters.
Watch video below…
“Some people said that I called the boy a f00l. What I meant was that you can’t carry out an illegal order. I didn’t say, ‘Military, you’re a f00l’. I couldn’t have said that” — Wike pic.twitter.com/4p4sqricli
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 14, 2025