“I didn’t call him a fool” – Wike clarifies viral land dispute clash with Naval officer
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has finally addressed the heated confrontation between himself and naval officer Lt. Ahmad Yerima, a moment that went viral nationwide.
The clash occurred during a property enforcement operation in Abuja, where Lt. Yerima reportedly prevented Wike and his team from accessing the site.
Many Nigerians believed Wike outright insulted the officer by calling him a “fool,” but the minister has now clarified his remarks, insisting that his words were misunderstood and taken out of context.
Speaking on the controversy, Wike firmly denied insulting the military or its personnel, stressing that he holds the Armed Forces in the highest regard.
“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.”
Wike highlighted his longstanding support for military operations, noting that since returning as FCT Minister, he has strengthened their security capabilities significantly.
“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 reaffirming his respect for the military institution, Wike insisted that Lt. Yerima’s actions in the viral video did not align with the duties and training expected of a military 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.”
Watch video below…
“Some people said that I called the boy a f00l. What I meant was that you can’t carry out an illegal order. I didn’t say, ‘Military, you’re a f00l’. I couldn’t have said that” -Wike pic.twitter.com/4p4sqricli
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 14, 2025
