Wike vs Naval Officer: CDS Praises Naval Officer, Warns Against Attacks on Armed Forces

 The Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, has lauded the conduct of Lieutenant Yerima, the military officer who stood his ground during a heated confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at a disputed plot of land in Abuja on Tuesday 

The Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, has commended Lieutenant Yerima for his professional conduct. The military officer was praised for maintaining his composure and position during a contentious argument with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over a contested land plot in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja in response to the viral incident, General Oluyede applauded the officer’s calmness and professionalism despite the minister’s harsh words. 

According to the statement, the CDS described the minister’s outburst as unbecoming of a public official, and cautioned that government leaders must uphold civility, especially when dealing with members of the Armed Forces.

Gen Oluyede noted that the Nigerian Defence Academy “produces officers trained in discipline, emotional intelligence, and leadership, not docility.”

The CDS said, “the officer’s response reflects admirable composure and emotional intelligence—qualities that lie at the heart of military leadership training.

“His ability to remain calm, firm, and respectful under verbal provocation demonstrates discipline and professionalism.”   

General Oluyede cautioned public officials against making such unguarded statements, saying that the minister’s outburst was unbecoming of a public official and advised that government leaders must uphold civility, especially when dealing with members of the Armed Forces.