On Monday, November 11, 2025, the usual calm of Gaduwa, one of Abuja’s quieter neighbourhoods, was shattered by a standoff that captured national attention. What began as a routine inspection quickly morphed into a gripping scene that drew residents to the streets, unsure whether they were witnessing lawful enforcement or the spark of an inter-agency clash.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike arrived with a security convoy, insisting his mission was straightforward: to investigate ongoing construction on land originally earmarked for park and recreation, allocated to Santos Estate Limited but allegedly converted for residential use without proper approvals. Wike said he was also there “to support Development Control officials who had earlier been obstructed by military personnel and to enforce land-use regulations.”
At the centre of the tension stood Lieutenant A.M. Yerima of the Navy, calm and composed amidst a flurry of exchanges between his soldiers and Wike’s aides. Twice calling “Ajuwaya!” to instruct his men to stand down, Yerima’s measured restraint prevented a confrontation that could have escalated into a national embarrassment. When Wike snapped at him, calling him a fool, Yerima’s measured defiance resonated widely:
“I’m an officer, I have my integrity. I am not a fool; you can’t shut me up.”
Land Dispute at the Heart
The dispute centred on two parcels: Park No. 161 in Garki II and Green Area Plot 1946 in Gaduwa. Documents showed the lands were legally allocated, though later reports suggested some approvals had been revoked, fueling public debate.
National Debate: Authority vs. Respect
The confrontation sparked a nationwide conversation on power, civilian authority, and military discipline. Former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor emphasized that disparaging remarks against uniformed officers insult the state itself. Veterans’ groups threatened protests if Yerima were punished, while former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka argued Wike’s approach undermined the dignity of his office.
Analyst Farooq Kperogi described it as a clash between “an unstoppable force and an immovable object,” praising Yerima’s courage. Civil society activist Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile said his composure exemplified discipline and respect, while APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe dismissed his conduct as “horrible,” claiming it represented entrenched corruption.
Historical Legacy of Discipline
Observers noted that the officer’s calm reflected reforms instilled under Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (2021–2023), whose tenure strengthened the Navy’s discipline and operational capacity, including tackling piracy and oil theft.
Wike Speaks, Tinubu Intervenes
Wike maintained that his intentions were lawful, asserting: “I do not have any problem with the military… No officer should carry out an illegal order. If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no.” He urged against sensational reporting, stressing that he was enforcing the law, not challenging the military.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s discreet intervention helped defuse tensions, emphasizing restraint and adherence to due process.
Resolution and Public Relief
By Thursday, the bulldozer at the centre of the dispute departed, drawing spontaneous applause from residents. In that moment, Gaduwa reflected a broader national yearning for fairness, order, and a governance culture where law and institutions, not personalities, set the pace of public life.