“I am not a fool, sir” — Young Nigerian soldier earns praise for standing up to Minister Nyesom Wike

A young Nigerian soldier, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has become an online sensation after a video showing him standing his ground against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike went viral on social media.

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday at a disputed plot of land in Abuja, where Lt Yerima and his unit were stationed. The soldiers reportedly stopped the minister and his team from accessing the site, citing instructions from their superiors.

In the widely circulated footage, Wike — visibly angry — confronts the young officer, demanding entry. Lt Yerima, however, calmly but firmly holds his position, repeatedly insisting that he was acting on official orders.

The exchange reached a tense moment when the minister, a former Governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, said to the officer:

“You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

Lt Yerima responded firmly but respectfully: “I am not a fool, sir.”

That brief but powerful exchange has since dominated Nigerian social media, drawing millions of views and a flood of praise from citizens impressed by the officer’s discipline, courage, and professionalism.

Social Media Erupts in Praise

Many Nigerians have hailed Lt Yerima as a symbol of integrity in public service — a rare example of a lower-ranking officer standing firm in the face of political intimidation.

“I commend the gallantry of this military officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, for his unshakable boldness and composure despite the offensive utterances from FCT Minister Wike. He’s well trained and fearless — he refused to be bullied,”

one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another added:

“Discipline, courage, and integrity — the true spirit of the Nigerian military. The young officer stood his ground with professionalism and honor.”

Across platforms, the video has inspired memes, commentary, and tributes, with many users changing their profile pictures or WhatsApp statuses to Lt Yerima’s image.

The viral moment has also reignited public debate about abuse of power, rule of law, and respect for uniformed officers in Nigeria — a country where junior officials are often expected to yield to political authority regardless of circumstances.

Wike Defends His Actions

Minister Wike later addressed the media, explaining that he had gone to the site after receiving reports that officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council were allegedly chased away by soldiers.

He insisted that the land in question falls under federal capital jurisdiction, and that his visit was to investigate claims of illegal construction and encroachment.

“This is what prevents us from progressing,” Wike told reporters.

“When the officials came, they said soldiers chased them away. I thought they did so illegally.”

The minister further stated that the soldiers failed to produce documents justifying their presence on the land.

As of now, the Nigerian military has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Background

For many Nigerians, the incident represents more than just a confrontation between a minister and a soldier — it reflects a larger cultural moment about accountability and respect for institutional order.

Observers note that Wike, known for his outspoken and forceful leadership style, has rarely been publicly challenged. Lt Yerima’s calm defiance, therefore, struck a chord in a country where hierarchy and political influence often overshadow fairness and procedure.

The young officer’s measured response — “I am not a fool, sir” — has already entered Nigeria’s digital lexicon as a symbol of dignity under pressure.