The FCT Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is undeniably one of the most powerful men in Abuja and in Nigeria.
As a former Governor of Rivers State, Wike is no stranger to giving orders and exercising authority, whether the outcomes are positive or not.
However, this time, he seemed to have hit a brick wall with Naval Officer Lt. Yerima.
A video that went viral on social media shows Wike in a heated exchange with Lt. Yerima at the Gaduwa area of the FCT.
According to reports, the minister was stopped by military personnel from accessing a piece of land said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd.). The land was reportedly designated as a buffer zone by the Department of Development Control of the FCT Administration and was not approved for development.
The officer’s firm refusal to grant access reportedly shocked and infuriated the minister, who reacted with name-calling and visible anger, while Lt. Yerima maintained his composure and stood his ground.
The video has since sparked mixed reactions on social media.
“The military officer was unruly. He was arrogant.”
— Lere Olayinka, SSA Publicity & Communications to the FCT Minister
Lt. Yerima is said to be the son of General Mohammed Yerima, one of Nigeria’s most respected army generals.
And big shots like retired army generals Buratai have chimed in the situation.
The incident has now stirred a debate:
How far can a minister go in exercising authority?
Where is the line between standing up to power and disrespecting the military?
And should the minister get away with his outburst?
