A heated political confrontation has erupted between prominent figures in Nigeria's political landscape following the viral altercation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer in Abuja.
The Controversial Confrontation That Started It All
The conflict began when Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, a Nigerian Navy officer, engaged in what witnesses described as a heated exchange with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a land matter in the nation's capital. The incident, which occurred in Abuja, quickly gained traction on social media platforms, drawing mixed reactions from the public and political commentators alike.
Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was among the first prominent figures to weigh in on the matter. In a strongly worded Facebook post published on November 12, 2025, Igbokwe condemned the naval officer's conduct, describing Lieutenant Yarima's actions as disrespectful to constituted authority.
Igbokwe's Call for Dismissal Sparks Backlash
Igbokwe did not mince words in his social media statement, explicitly calling for the immediate dismissal of the military officer. "This is the young man, Lt. Yarima, that challenged FCT 001, His Excellency Nyesom Wike," Igbokwe wrote. "The young officer has no respect for constituted authority. This is unacceptable. His uniform should be removed ASAP."
The APC stalwart's demand for severe disciplinary action against the naval officer immediately drew criticism from various quarters, most notably from human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju.
Adeyanju's Mocking Response
Deji Adeyanju fired back at Igbokwe through his X (formerly Twitter) account, mocking the APC chieftain's position and suggesting he was merely seeking attention. In a sarcastic post that quickly went viral, Adeyanju wrote: "Dear Joe Igbokwe, appointment is finished already. Stop the hustling except you want to replace this cameraman. Doing media aide in old age is actually crazy. Old data boys!"
Adeyanju's response characterized Igbokwe's call for the officer's dismissal as unnecessary and portrayed it as an attempt to curry favor with the political establishment.
Igbokwe Fires Back With Credentials
Not one to back down from a public spat, Joe Igbokwe launched a scathing counterattack against Adeyanju, questioning the activist's credentials and relevance in Nigerian political discourse. "PLEASE WHO IS DEJI ADEYANJU? This small boy, an emergency activist, an arrogant loud mouth, called me out yesterday and said that I am seeking attention and looking for a job," Igbokwe retorted.
The APC chieftain went on to detail his extensive political and activist background, emphasizing his long-standing involvement in Nigerian politics dating back to the 1980s. Igbokwe highlighted several key achievements:
- Activism since the 80s at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Senior Prefect in his secondary school
- Vice President of the Association of Mechanical Engineering Students at UNN in 1984
- President of First Grade International Ltd.
- Publisher of National Vision Newspapers Ltd.
- Author of several books on democracy and Igbo history
Igbokwe further elaborated on his political career through a detailed Facebook post, stating: "I have served as Publicity Secretary in Lagos for AC, ACN, APC, Pioneer General Manager of LASIMRA, Chairman of Warf-Landing Office Apapa Lagos, and Special Adviser on Drainage from 2019 to 2023. I am the leader of the Igbo in APC Lagos."
Official Response and Broader Implications
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has taken official notice of the incident. Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defence under President Bola Tinubu's administration, confirmed that his ministry is investigating the public confrontation between Wike and Lieutenant Yerima.
Speaking at a press conference organized for the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, November 12, Minister Badaru noted that the Armed Forces would not abandon any officer who carries out lawful duties.
The exchange between Igbokwe and Adeyanju underscores the deepening tensions among political and activist figures in Nigeria regarding the appropriate relationship between military personnel and civilian authorities. It also highlights the growing role of social media in shaping political commentary and public discourse in the country.
As the investigation into the original incident continues, the war of words between these prominent figures reveals the complex dynamics of power, authority, and accountability in Nigeria's evolving political landscape.
