Nigerians praise young soldier for standing up to powerful minister

A young Nigerian soldier has been widely praised on social media after footage of him standing his ground against a powerful government minister went viral.

The soldier, identified as Lt AM Yerima, was part of a unit that prevented Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja on Tuesday.

In the video, which has been viewed millions of times, the minister is seen becoming increasingly agitated as Lt Yerima, citing orders from his superiors, calmly refuses him entry.

Many social media users have hailed the soldier’s demeanour, describing him as “courageous” and “brave”, with some using his photo on their WhatsApp statuses.

The confrontation was particularly striking to many Nigerians because Wike, a former governor of the oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He has a fearsome reputation and is seen as someone who normally gets his way in a country where lower-ranking officials rarely stand up to those in authority.

“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 posted on X.

“Discipline, courage, and integrity. The true spirit of the Nigerian military. The young officer A.M Yerima stood his ground with professionalism and honor,” agreed another X user.

In the video, Wike is heard saying to the soldier: “You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”

While Wike was still speaking, the officer cuts in to say: “I am not a fool sir.”

However, it is not clear why the soldiers were there.

The BBC has asked the Nigerian military for comment.

Wike challenged the soldiers to provide proof of their legal right to occupy the land.

Wike later told journalists he had visited the site after officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reported being chased away by soldiers.

He said the land fell under the federal capital jurisdiction which he oversees and that his administration had a duty to investigate reports of illegal construction and land encroachment.

“This is what prevents us from progressing,” Wike said. “When the officials came, they said soldiers chased them away. I thought they did so illegally.”

He said the soldiers were unable to produce the documents he requested. (BBC)