Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O. Oluyede, has praised the conduct of Lieutenant Yerima, the military officer who stood his ground during a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
In a statement reacting to the viral incident, General Oluyede lauded the officer’s calmness and professionalism despite the minister’s harsh words. He noted that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) produces officers trained in discipline, emotional intelligence, and leadership, not docility.
“The officer’s response reflects admirable composure and emotional intelligence—qualities that lie at the heart of military leadership training,” the CDS stated. “His ability to remain calm, firm, and respectful under verbal provocation demonstrates discipline and professionalism.”
General Oluyede described the minister’s outburst as unbecoming of a public official, stressing that government leaders must uphold civility, especially when dealing with members of the Armed Forces.
“It is both unfortunate and inappropriate for a federal minister to use such language toward a serving officer. Public officials should model restraint and respect, particularly when addressing those in uniform who embody national service and sacrifice,” he said.
The CDS also echoed a famous military maxim while emphasizing that soldiers are trained to confront danger, not retreat from it. “Every soldier has an element of madness… for while the right-thinking man withdraws from danger, a soldier charges towards it,” he noted. General Oluyede added that the matter is now under his review.
The confrontation between Wike and Lt. Yerima has sparked intense public debate, with many Nigerians commending the officer’s comportment and calling for higher standards of conduct from public officials.
