FCT Minister Knocked Off in Clash with Naval Officer

Joshua ChuwangNovember 12, 20252 Mins read34

A Nigerian Navy Officer confronted the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and restricted him from accessing a property in the nation’s capital, sparking widespread controversy in the country.

The clash, which happened at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, ensued due to an ownership dispute between the government and an individual over a parcel of land. The officer, Ahmad M. Yerima, along with his colleagues, acted “on orders,” stopping the Minister from entering the property. According to the Officer, everything was acquired legally and, as such, could not be intruded upon by the FCT Minister.

In defence of his superior, the officer claimed that he was only doing his job and acting based on instructions from above. The FCT Minister, accompanied by senior officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, had visited the site, where he discovered the ‘illegal construction’ ongoing, and attempted to step in before being confronted by a naval officer supervising the property.

In a viral video of the incident, Wike expressed disappointment and anger at the audacity of the young officer standing in the way of the government.

You are in uniform and telling me that the Navy owns this land? Who gave you the right to build without approval? Even if you are the Chief of Naval Staff, the law must be respected, Wike said in the video clip.

It has now gone to the level where, when government officials are carrying out their job, you go and bring security to intimidate them, against government officials. I will not accept that. I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, and they have assured me that they will resolve the matter, the Minister said.

However, the property is allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff and has stirred several comments on social media, most of which criticised the Minister and applauded the officer’s bravery. Most importantly, the Minister called the officer on duty a ‘fool’, a demeaning attitude and disregard for the country’s Armed Forces.

The Minister is notorious for his ubiquitous behaviours and controversial traits in Nigerian politics. Nigerians are demanding an open apology from the FCT Minister to the institution for his vulgar language toward the officer who was doing his job. Citizens have also called on the Navy to secure and protect the officer who stands the risk of being in danger because of his courage.