Defence Minister Clears Officer in Wike Confrontation
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has officially stated that the military officer involved in a widely publicised confrontation with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will not be subjected to any disciplinary measures. This declaration was made during an interview with DCL Hausa, putting to rest widespread public speculation about potential punishment for the officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima.
No Breach of Military Code of Conduct
Matawalle, who previously served as the governor of Zamfara state, provided a clear justification for the decision. He clarified that Lieutenant Yerima's actions during the tense encounter did not violate any military regulations. "He did not commit any offence under military regulations; he merely obeyed a lawful order and followed due process," Matawalle was quoted as saying by Vanguard.
The Defence Minister further elaborated on the officer's conduct, noting that "If you observe carefully, he spoke respectfully and conducted himself properly." This assessment suggests that the military hierarchy has reviewed the incident and found the officer's behaviour to be within the bounds of his duty.
Background of the Abuja Clash
The incident, which was captured in a viral video, occurred in the FCT, Abuja. It involved Lieutenant Yerima and other officers of the Nigerian Navy blocking and preventing Minister Wike from accessing a piece of land. The heated argument between the high-profile minister and the military officer sparked significant reactions and debates across Nigeria, with many citizens weighing in on the power dynamics and propriety of the confrontation.
Despite the public furor, the Nigerian Navy has maintained a notable silence on the matter, issuing no official statements following the video's circulation. This silence had fueled further speculation, making Matawalle's recent interview the first official high-level comment on the potential repercussions for the officer involved.
The assurance from the Minister of State for Defence confirms that Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima will continue his duties without any sanctions, closing a chapter on an incident that captivated the nation's attention.
