The political landscape in Nigeria is buzzing with reactions after popular internet personality Isaac Fayose openly challenged Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike over his recent viral confrontation with a military officer.
The Viral Abuja Land Dispute
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a dramatic video surfaced showing FCT Minister Wike engaged in a heated altercation with military officers guarding a property in Gaduwa, Abuja. The incident occurred during an enforcement exercise where Wike and FCTA officials attempted to access a disputed piece of land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
In the widely circulated footage, Minister Wike is seen confronting uniformed soldiers who were blocking his access to the property. The visibly enraged minister asserted that the developers lacked valid title documents and proper building approvals. The situation escalated when one of the soldiers, identified as Officer Yerima, refused to comply with Wike's orders, leading to a tense standoff that has since captured national attention.
Isaac Fayose's Bold Challenge
Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, didn't hold back in his reaction to the incident. In a viral social media clip, Fayose humorously yet pointedly questioned Wike's authority during the confrontation, repeatedly urging the minister to assert his power over the land.
"The land is your land, Wike. Oppressors jam oppressors. Don't let those soldiers chance you," Fayose declared in the video, laughing heartily at what he described as an embarrassing display of oppression. His commentary added fuel to the already blazing online conversation surrounding the minister's clash with military authorities.
Nigerians React to the Drama
The viral video and subsequent reactions have sparked massive online engagement, with Nigerians expressing diverse opinions about the incident. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments both supporting and criticizing the minister's actions.
One user, @olayimartha, sarcastically commented: "Na once Wike comot phone from pocket to call him babe Tinubu!?" while @michael._u added: "Lol. And with all those him threats, nothing he go fit do that soldier. Welcome to Abuja Mr Wike.?"
Many Nigerians expressed admiration for the military officer's composure during the confrontation. @kennedyexcel noted: "The soldier man said you're my junior am talking and police is talking that one alone sweet me," while @dayoogedengbe praised: "Make I no lie, the video just dey give me joy since. God bless and keep that coordinated, composed, disciplined and very professional officer."
The officer's now-famous statement, "I am an officer, I'm not a fool," has become a trending phrase across social media platforms, with many users celebrating his professional demeanor in the face of political pressure.
Broader Implications and Analysis
The incident has raised important questions about the boundaries of political authority versus military jurisdiction in land matters. Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop also weighed in on the controversy, pointing out how intimidated Wike appeared during the confrontation with the military officer.
This clash comes at a time when land disputes in Abuja have become increasingly contentious, with multiple stakeholders often claiming ownership or control over prime properties in the federal capital territory. The involvement of a former naval chief's alleged connection to the land adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga.
As the conversation continues to evolve online, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the relationship between political authorities and military institutions will navigate such conflicts in the future. The viral nature of the incident ensures that both Minister Wike and Officer Yerima will remain in the public spotlight for the foreseeable future.
