Yesterday, social media across Nigeria and Africa was abuzz with the trending confrontation between Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a young, charismatic naval officer identified as Lieutenant Yerima.
The clash reportedly began when Minister Wike visited a construction site allegedly situated on land owned by the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
The Minister claimed the property was not properly registered and arrived at the scene with a bulldozer to halt construction activities.
However, upon arrival, Wike was met by a few naval officers led by Lt. Yerima, who had reportedly come in a single Hilux vehicle to safeguard their superior’s property.
Eyewitnesses say that Wike insulted the young officer, who remained calm and composed, firmly responding, “I am not a fool.”
The situation escalated when Wike allegedly contacted the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), ordering him to direct Lt. Yerima and his men to vacate the premises.
Yet, upon learning that the property belonged to a retired superior officer, even the CDS could do little but advise the Minister to withdraw from the scene.
If Wike, a trained lawyer, had a better understanding of military protocol, he would have known that under both the Constitution and military law, only the President or an officer of higher rank than the one who issued the order can revoke a military directive.
Not even the Minister of Defence can do so unless he is a former senior military officer himself. Wike’s disregard for this principle resulted in a public embarrassment that could have been easily avoided.
Mr. Wike has long been known for his confrontational and domineering approach to leadership, often accused of intimidating colleagues including his successor and former ally, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara. But this time, his tactics failed.
This incident brings to mind a powerful quote by African-American civil rights leader Malcolm X:
“You don’t get freedom peacefully. Freedom is never safeguarded peacefully. Anyone who is depriving you of freedom isn’t deserving of a peaceful approach by the ones who are being deprived of their freedom.”
Despite the provocation, Lt. Yerima maintained his calm and composure, an exemplary show of discipline and intellect. As my mentor, Dr. Nelson Aluya, often emphasizes, empowering young people through quality education is the key to dismantling systems of injustice. American historian and professor Dr. John Henrik Clarke once said,
“Powerful people cannot afford to educate the people they oppress, because once you are truly educated, you will not ask for power you will take it.”
Likewise, Nelson Mandela reminded us that,
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
In this encounter, the bully met his match and Nigerians across all divides are celebrating Lt. Yerima for standing his ground. This moment represents the Nigeria we all aspire to build: a nation that supports justice and merit over intimidation and tribalism.
When young people unite armed with education, courage, and purpose. Nigeria and Africa will truly begin to transform.
Young people must take charge of their destiny.
Zubair A. Zubair
Journalist and Columnist
Writes from Kano, Nigeria. Zubairkano118@gmail.com
