Wike's Denial Sparks Political Backlash
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly denied insulting a naval officer during a recent heated confrontation in Abuja. The controversy emerged from a viral video showing Wike clashing with Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima over a disputed property in the nation's capital.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 13, Wike stated he "wouldn't have called a military personnel a fool" despite video evidence showing tense exchanges between both men. The minister accused Nigerians of reporting on events that never occurred.
Melaye's Scathing Response
Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye quickly reacted to Wike's denial with a mocking post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. Melaye wrote: "With eleven microphones, he attempts a denial of what he said with no microphone. Spirit of error na shege."
The political heavyweight's comment referenced the contrast between Wike's current press conference setup and the original confrontation where the minister allegedly made the controversial remarks without media amplification.
The Original Confrontation Details
The conflict began when Lieutenant Yerima, deployed to secure a plot of land reportedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff Awwal Zubairu Gambo, confronted Wike and his team. The FCT minister had arrived with officials and security personnel to enforce a demolition order on the contested property.
In the widely circulated video, Yerima maintained remarkable composure while refusing Wike access to the site, explaining he was "acting on instructions from his superior officer." The naval officer famously responded to Wike's demands by stating: "I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on orders."
Tension escalated during the exchange as Wike issued repeated verbal challenges, creating a standoff that captured national attention and sparked debates about civil-military relations.
Public Reaction Intensifies
Nigerians on social media platform X expressed mixed reactions to Wike's denial. User @Roseangel009 commented: "They should have played the video for him there. AM Yerima's integrity just humbled Wike. Instead of denying, he should just apologise."
Another user, @Theman24632104, wrote: "We are not going to leave him. He will explain tire," suggesting sustained public pressure on the minister.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has maintained official silence regarding the incident, despite the video generating widespread reactions across the country. The silence has fueled further speculation about institutional responses to the confrontation.
The land dispute at the center of the controversy involves property allegedly belonging to former naval chief Awwal Zubairu Gambo, though full details of the ownership claims remain unclear to the public.
This incident represents another chapter in Wike's controversial tenure as FCT minister, marked by several high-profile disputes and enforcement actions in the federal capital territory.
