United States-based Nigerian academic Professor Farooq Kperogi has delivered a compelling analysis of the viral confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yerima that has captivated the nation.
The media scholar published his reflections in an essay titled "Three Quick Thoughts on Wike and Yerima" on November 12, 2025, offering sharp perspectives that have ignited widespread discussion across Nigerian social media platforms.
The Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object
In his first observation, Kperogi characterized the dramatic encounter as a classic case of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. He described Lieutenant Yerima as embodying calm courage while facing the notoriously assertive minister.
According to the professor, Yerima became the first person to effectively demonstrate to Wike that not everyone can be bullied into submission. Kperogi particularly highlighted the officer's repeated refrain of "I am not a fool, sir," which he interpreted as more than just a forceful retort.
"Yerima's repeated refrain of 'I am not a fool, sir,' transcended a mere forceful retort. It was a respectful but firm defiance to an insufferably self-important ministerial hoodlum," Kperogi wrote in his analysis.
Power Meets Principle with Remarkable Restraint
Kperogi's second reflection praised the young naval officer's exceptional courage and emotional intelligence during the tense exchange. He noted that Yerima stood his ground and caused Wike to beat a humiliating retreat without raising his voice or losing composure.
"You don't buy that kind of valor and self-confidence in the market," the professor emphasized, adding that it came as no surprise when information emerged that Yerima comes from an upper-crust military family.
The academic compared Yerima's restrained approach to Malcolm X's philosophy: "Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery." Kperogi concluded that the officer had metaphorically sent Wike "to the rhetorical cemetery" through his dignified response.
Confronting Nigeria's Culture of Reverse Ageism
For his third point, Professor Kperogi tackled what he termed "gerontocratic egotism" in Nigerian society - the tendency of older individuals to use age as a weapon to silence younger people when logical arguments fail.
He criticized this widespread phenomenon, stating that being older doesn't automatically make one wiser. The professor argued that despite the age difference, Lieutenant Yerima displayed greater maturity and dignity than the minister during their confrontation.
"One of Nigeria's burdens is being trapped in regressive reverse ageism," Kperogi wrote. "Even emotionally and cognitively immature adults think of themselves as superior because of their birth date."
The professor concluded that Wike's behavior exposed the failure of many Nigerian leaders to respect logic, humility, and discipline - qualities that Yerima demonstrated abundantly under pressure.
The analysis has resonated widely with Nigerians, with many commentators and public figures, including Arise News anchor Oseni Rufai, praising Lieutenant Yerima's composure and calling for his recognition with a national award.
