Wike vs Yerima: Young Nigerian officer trends after altercation with powerful minister
Nigeria's Minister of Defence Badaru says an investigation into the matter is underway.
A young Nigerian military officer is trending on social media after he had an altercation with one of the country's most powerful ministers.
The naval officer was among security personnel guarding a fenced piece of land in the capital Abuja.
He and his colleagues denied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike access to the land.
The minister was reportedly there to inspect the property over alleged violation of land regulations.
The young commissioned officer, identified as Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, insisted that he would not allow the minister's team to enter the land, saying he was acting on "orders" and that the land was acquired "legally".
The minister and his team left the scene without inspecting the land. It was an extraordinary incident in Nigeria, where top government officials are rarely challenged in this manner publicly. The altercation has sparked huge debates in Nigeria.
Authorities probe
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru told journalists on Wednesday that the matter was being investigated.
“At the Ministry, and indeed within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru said.
“We are looking into this issue, and I assure you that any officer performing his duty legitimately will be fully protected. We will not allow anything to happen to him as long as he is doing his job and doing it well,” he added.
Some commentators praise the officer for what they call courage, discipline and professionalism in handling the situation while faulting the minister for failing to maintain his cool as a public figure.
However, others say the navy officer was wrong for obstructing a top government official who was on the ground to discharge his oversight duty as the minister in charge of the Nigerian capital.
Local media reported that the land is owned by a former Nigerian navy chief.
The incident comes as the government intensifies its crackdown on alleged illegal land ownership and encroachments, as well as unapproved buildings in the capital.
Minister Nyesom Wike is one of the most influential ministers in Nigeria.
He was the governor of the oil-rich Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in August 2023.