Former military Generals have expressed outrage over Tuesday’s clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, over alleged land grabbing.
Fury from retired military brass is boiling over after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s heated clash with Navy Lt. A.M. Yerima, with former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai calling for a public apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the officer himself.
In separate interviews with Primenewsng on Wednesday, veterans slammed Wike’s “shoot me” outburst as a direct attack on military discipline and the chain of command. “This wasn’t just misconduct—it’s a threat to national security,” Buratai posted on Facebook, labeling the minister’s actions “profound indiscipline” that wounds troop morale and undermines the Commander-in-Chief.
Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) told Primenewsng the confrontation exposed a dangerous misuse of power:
“The officer was following lawful orders. Wike had every right to question the land title—but not by publicly humiliating a uniformed officer. That’s not how democracy works.”
Retired Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi didn’t hold back:
“A minister confronting a commissioned officer like that? Unacceptable. The military answers to the President, not political temper tantrums.”
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru confirmed a full investigation during a briefing for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College.
“We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” Badaru declared. “Lt. Yerima showed remarkable composure. We’re looking into this—and as long as he was doing his job, nothing will happen to him.”
The standoff erupted over a disputed plot in Gaduwa, allegedly acquired by retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. Wike accused the ex-Naval Chief of illegal takeover; Yerima’s team blocked access on “superior orders.”
But Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the minister on Channels TV, calling the incident the result of a land scam.
“The plot was allocated in 2007 for park and recreation—not houses. The company sold it illegally, including to Gambo, who got scammed,” Olayinka said. “He has no title, no approved building plan—and now he’s using military muscle instead of seeking help.”
He added: “Wike wasn’t minister when the change-of-use was rejected in 2022. This land is in a public/corporate zone, not for private homes.”
Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN): Yerima’s obstruction was illegal. “Superior orders don’t justify blocking the President’s delegate. He could face court-martial under the Armed Forces Act.” Simon Lough (SAN): Wike had legal authority but undermined his office by showing up in person. “He should’ve written to Defence HQ, not staged a showdown.” Pelumi Olajengbesi (Lawyer): “No minister commands troops. That power belongs to the President via the chain of command. Wike’s behavior was reckless and abusive.”
As the incident has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s civil-military tensions. Veterans warn: fail to condemn this, and you invite chaos.
The Navy remains silent. Wike’s office has not responded.
Investigation ongoing. More to come. — Primenewsng
