Tensions flared in Nigeria's capital city as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, engaged in a dramatic confrontation with military officers, leading to a swift and symbolic response from the Defence Headquarters.
The Abuja Confrontation: A Minister Versus The Military
On the morning of December 11, 2025, Minister Nyesom Wike led officials to a property located in the Gaduwa district of Abuja. His mission was to halt a building project which he stated was being developed without the required documentation. The land in question was reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
However, the minister's enforcement action was met with unexpected resistance. Military officers present at the site, acting on what they described as orders from above, physically prevented Wike and his team from stopping the construction work.
A Heated Exchange of Words
The situation escalated rapidly into a verbal spat. Visibly angered by the defiance, Minister Wike could not contain his displeasure. He directly told one of the officers to 'shut up' and proceeded to call the officer a fool.
The soldier, demonstrating remarkable composure, refused to be intimidated. He fired back a now-viral response: 'I am not a fool and I will not shut up. I am acting on orders'. This firm rebuttal from the officer highlighted the deep-seated tension between civilian authority and military chain-of-command.
The Defence Headquarters' Subtle Rebuttal
Just hours after the altercation made headlines, the Defence Headquarters took to its official social media handles. Without directly mentioning the incident with Minister Wike, it posted a powerful message that resonated across the nation.
The post served as a reminder to all Nigerians, stating unequivocally that it is an honor to serve in the Nigerian Military. This was widely interpreted as a public affirmation of support for its personnel and a subtle commentary on the earlier event, reinforcing the dignity and pride associated with military service despite the challenges faced on duty.
