A former secondary school mate of the Nigerian naval officer who recently went viral after confronting Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has come forward with revealing details about the officer's background and character.
School Connection Revealed
The viral video showing Officer Yerima's professional handling of Minister Wike's confrontation caught the attention of Harry Santa Goodness, who immediately recognized his former schoolmate. Taking to social media, Goodness shared intimate knowledge about the officer that few people knew, creating another viral sensation in the process.
The confrontation occurred when Minister Wike approached Officer Yerima about access to a property in Abuja, with the officer maintaining remarkable composure throughout the exchange. The video quickly spread across Nigerian social media platforms, prompting those who knew Yerima personally to share their experiences with him.
Five Key Revelations About Officer Yerima
Goodness provided five significant insights about the viral naval officer that shed light on his background and personality:
First, he revealed that both he and Officer Yerima were born and raised in Elelenwo, establishing their shared geographical roots. This connection goes beyond mere school acquaintance, indicating a deeper community bond.
Second, the former schoolmate emphasized Yerima's inherently respectful nature, stating that the officer displayed respectfulness even before gaining admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy. This character trait apparently predated his military training and formation.
Third, Goodness confirmed they attended the same secondary school, though he deliberately omitted the institution's name. This educational connection provides context for their longstanding familiarity.
Fourth, in establishing their school hierarchy, Goodness revealed that Yerima was his junior student during their secondary school days, indicating an age and seniority difference between them.
Fifth, the former schoolmate identified two of Yerima's classmates from their school days: Engr. Efinity Ephraim Ejekwu and Praise Ijeoma Ochonma. This additional information helps paint a more complete picture of Yerima's educational background.
Public Reaction and Support
The revelations sparked significant reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing support for Officer Yerima and criticizing Minister Wike's approach during the confrontation.
Goodness strongly condemned the minister's behavior, stating: "No matter the provocation, Wike is not supposed to call an officer a fool." He praised Yerima for displaying exceptional professionalism during the tense exchange.
Social media users echoed these sentiments, with one commenter named Sol Cabral noting: "Already a 3 star for his young age, the guy will be Admiral before he retires. What a guts!"
Another user from their community, Ruth Richards, confirmed knowing Yerima during their school days, writing: "Nah true. I remember this face o even though I no remember him name. Nah my junior student. Nice one."
The incident has sparked broader conversations about respect for military personnel and the appropriate conduct of public officials when interacting with security officers. The viral nature of both the original video and the subsequent revelations demonstrates significant public interest in stories that showcase professionalism and character within Nigeria's armed forces.
