FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has finally spoken out on the viral confrontation between him and naval officer Lt. Ahmad Yerima, an incident that stirred nationwide debate.
The encounter happened during a property enforcement exercise in Abuja, where Lt. Yerima reportedly prevented Wike and his team from gaining access to the site.
Many Nigerians believed Wike directly insulted the officer by calling him a “fool,” but the minister has now offered clarification, insisting his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.
Addressing the controversy, Wike strongly rejected claims that he insulted the military or its personnel, emphasizing that he holds the Armed Forces in the highest respect.
“Some said I told the boy, ‘you’re a fool.’ What I meant is this, you cannot be carrying out an illegal order. I didn’t say the military is a fool; I would never say that. I know the role they play in this country and what they pass through fighting terrorists,” Wike explained.
He noted his long-standing support for the military, stating that since returning as FCT Minister, he has significantly boosted their security resources.
“I would give my support for security reasons. Go and see what I provided for them to fight and do their work,” he added.
While restating his respect for the military institution, Wike maintained that Lt. Yerima’s actions in the viral video did not reflect the duties and discipline expected of an officer.
“If I know all that, why will I say he’s a fool? But you—what you’re doing is not what you’re taught as an officer. You’re not carrying out the duty expected of you,” he said.