Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has broken his silence regarding his heated confrontation with Naval Officer Lieutenant A.M Yerima, clarifying that his controversial remarks were directed at what he termed an "illegal order" rather than the military institution itself.
The Land Dispute That Sparked the Conflict
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, when Minister Wike visited a disputed parcel of land in the FCT. The property in question allegedly belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff, but Wike asserted that the acquisition lacked proper documentation and was therefore inappropriate.
During the site visit, Wike ordered the immediate stoppage of construction work ongoing at the property. However, Lieutenant Yerima and his colleagues had been deployed to the location to provide security for the workers, leading to a direct confrontation between the political authority and military personnel.
The Heated Exchange and Controversial Remarks
Eyewitness accounts reported that Lieutenant Yerima stood his ground, insisting that he and his team were acting on orders from their superiors and would not allow Wike's team to halt the construction work. This position reportedly infuriated the FCT Minister, who subsequently unleashed harsh words against the naval officer.
In the heat of the moment, Wike was recorded saying: "Shut up your mouth, who does that? Will you keep quiet? Are you a big fool? You are a big fool!" These remarks quickly drew condemnation from various military personnel who viewed them as disrespectful to the armed forces.
Wike's Press Conference Clarification
Responding to the growing criticism, Minister Wike addressed the media on Thursday, November 14, during a press conference where he attempted to clarify his position and walk back his inflammatory language.
"Some people said I said the boy 'you are a fool'. What I meant was this, you cannot be carrying out an illegal order, that is what I meant," Wike explained to journalists.
The minister emphasized his respect for the military institution, stating: "I didn't say 'the military, you are a fool'. I couldn't have said that. I know the role of the military. The role they have been playing in this country. What they have passed through in fighting insurgents and terrorism."
Wike further elaborated his position using an analogy: "It is like a professor in the University who will not allow young girls to rest or is always asking people everytime bring money for this or that and then when I see that Professor, I will tell him you are not supposed to be a professor at all."
The minister concluded that his reaction was specifically targeted at what he perceived as improper conduct rather than the military as an institution, maintaining that he has consistently supported security agencies throughout his tenure as FCT Minister.
