A routine visit turned tense on Monday, November 11, 2025, when FCT Minister Nyesom Wike arrived in Gaduwa, Abuja, to inspect a site allegedly converted from recreational to residential use without proper authorisation. The situation escalated rapidly, drawing residents out to witness a heated exchange.
Wike said he visited the area to back up Development Control officials who had earlier been prevented from carrying out their duties by military personnel.
At the centre of the clash was Lieutenant A.M. Yerima. Despite the rising tension and Wike’s harsh remarks — including calling him a “fool” — Yerima stayed composed, replying, “I’m an officer, I have my integrity… I am not a fool.” His response spread widely across social media, sparking public debate.
The land in question, including Park No. 161 in Garki II and a green area in Gaduwa, reportedly had existing allocation papers from the FCTA. Some approvals were said to have been revoked later, creating confusion and further fuelling the controversy.
The confrontation quickly drew national attention. Civil society groups, human rights advocates, and retired military leaders praised Yerima’s calm conduct, arguing that public insult to a uniformed officer damages military morale. Others defended Wike, insisting he was simply enforcing urban planning rules.
Former service chiefs cautioned that disrespect toward military personnel could endanger national security. Some veterans even threatened protests if Yerima faced sanctions, while critics argued that Wike should have used official channels instead of engaging soldiers on the ground.
Wike later explained that he had no quarrel with the military as an institution and insisted his actions were misunderstood. He maintained that no officer is required to execute an illegal order, regardless of who issued it.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepped in quietly to defuse the standoff. His intervention was widely credited with preventing the disagreement from escalating into a broader institutional crisis.
By Thursday, the bulldozer placed on the disputed property had been removed, prompting cheers from residents. To many, the gesture represented a renewed call for order, fairness, and adherence to due process rather than confrontations in public view.
