- Defence Chief Oluyede Reacts To Clash Between Wike, Naval Officer.
- He said Yerima showed discipline and professionalism under provocation.
- Oluyede cautioned officials to respect uniformed officers and uphold civility.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has praised Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, the naval officer who maintained composure during a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued to defence correspondents in Abuja, General Oluyede lauded the officer’s “professionalism and emotional intelligence” despite what he described as the minister’s “verbal provocation.”
He said Yerima’s conduct reflected the high standards of discipline and restraint instilled at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), noting that the military’s leadership foundation is built on composure and sound judgement.
“The NDA produces officers trained in discipline, emotional intelligence and leadership, not docility,” he said.
The Defence Chief further stated that Yerima’s calm and respectful response during the altercation demonstrated “admirable composure” and embodied the true spirit of professionalism expected from service members.
“His ability to remain calm, firm, and respectful under verbal provocation demonstrates discipline and professionalism,” the statement read.
General Oluyede also cautioned public officeholders to exercise restraint when engaging with uniformed personnel, describing Wike’s outburst as “unbecoming of a government leader.”
He warned that incidents involving verbal attacks or public confrontations with military officers could strain civil-military relations and send the wrong signal to both civilians and the armed forces.
The altercation, which went viral on Tuesday, occurred at a disputed property in the Gaduwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, where Wike confronted naval personnel reportedly guarding land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The minister accused the officers of illegally protecting a private property, while the naval officer maintained he was acting under lawful orders.
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