Defence Minister Backs Naval Officer Who Confronted Wike Over Disputed Abuja Land
By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Bureau News
ABUJA — Nigeria News Today: The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has declared full support for Lieutenant AM Yerima, the naval officer who stood his ground during a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a disputed parcel of land allegedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd).
Badaru Praises Naval Officer’s Discipline
Speaking on the incident, Minister Badaru commended Lieutenant Yerima’s professionalism and courage, affirming that the Defence Ministry would ensure his protection.
“We will always protect our officer. He has done well. We won’t allow anything happen to him,” Badaru said.
He added, “We are looking into this issue and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be highly protected. So long as he’s doing his job, and doing it well, nothing will happen to him.”
His remarks came amid widespread public interest following a viral video showing Wike and Yerima in a tense verbal exchange during a land enforcement exercise in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
The Confrontation That Sparked Outrage
According to SaharaReporters, the confrontation occurred when FCT officials led by Wike attempted to access a property reportedly owned by the retired naval chief. Soldiers stationed at the site blocked the minister’s convoy, triggering a heated exchange.
In the viral footage, Wike accused the soldiers of obstructing lawful government activity, while Yerima maintained that he was acting under legitimate orders from his superior. The argument escalated as both men refused to back down.
Wike: “Because you’re an officer, nobody does that. Nobody acquires land illegally.”
Soldier: “Sir, we did not carry any land.”
Wike: “The man took this and we will not allow that just because he is the Chief of Army Staff.”
Soldier: “Sir, everything was acquired legally. Sir, I’m an officer, I have integrity.”
Wike: “Shut up!”
Soldier: “Sir, I will not shut up. You can’t shut me up.”
The exchange ended with Wike calling the officer “a big fool,” while Yerima stood his ground, insisting that he was acting on orders — a moment that has since sparked national debate about civil-military relations and the limits of ministerial authority.
Growing Tensions Over FCT Land Policies
The clash adds to mounting controversies surrounding Wike’s land revocation and demolition policies in the Federal Capital Territory. Critics argue that the FCT Minister has overreached his authority, while his supporters maintain that the actions are part of efforts to restore the Abuja Master Plan.
The Defence Ministry’s strong backing of Yerima marks a significant development in the standoff, signaling possible institutional pushback against Wike’s approach to land administration in the FCT.
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