PHOTO: Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, with Lt. A.M. Yaremi, visiting the disputed land belonging to the former Chief of Naval Staff, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd
By Crystal Ugoeze
The Nigerian military has thrown its weight behind Lt. Col. A.M. Yerima, the officer who engaged in a heated exchange with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a confrontation over a property in Abuja on Tuesday.
The property in question reportedly belongs to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z. Gambo (rtd). Wike, accompanied by officials of the FCT Administration, had arrived at the site to enforce a demolition order when military personnel on guard duty intervened, leading to an altercation between the minister and Lt. Col. Yerima.
The situation, which was captured in a viral video, showed the visibly angry minister shouting at the officer, accusing him of obstructing government orders. However, Lt. Col. Yerima, who maintained his composure, insisted that the property was under military protection pending proper clarification from relevant authorities.
In a show of solidarity, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, on Wednesday visited the site with a high-powered military delegation, including Lt. Col. Yerima, to inspect the property and assert the military’s stance. The visit was seen as a clear endorsement of Yerima’s conduct during the incident.
Hours later, the Nigerian Army appeared to throw a subtle jab at the FCT Minister with a post on its official social media handle that read:
“IT IS AN HONOUR TO SERVE IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY.
UNSHAKEN.
UNBENT.
UNBROKEN.”
The cryptic post, widely interpreted as a response to Wike’s outburst, drew mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians praising the Army for maintaining discipline and decorum in the face of provocation.
The altercation has reignited debate over the boundaries of civil authority and military protocol, with several commentators urging restraint and mutual respect between public officials and members of the armed forces.
Meanwhile, there has been no official statement from the FCT Administration as of press time, but military sources insist that due process must be followed in handling properties linked to former service chiefs.