Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has assured that Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the naval officer who was captured in a viral video exchanging words with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, will not face any disciplinary action.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle emphasized that the officer acted within the law and maintained professionalism during the incident.
“You can clearly see that he was respectful while standing his ground. As far as we are concerned, he did not break any law or military regulation,” the Minister said, describing Yerima’s conduct as disciplined and professional.
The confrontation occurred when Wike visited a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District, allegedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). Lieutenant Yerima reportedly blocked Wike, leading to a heated exchange that went viral online.
Matawalle noted that the situation could have been avoided if proper channels were followed:
“The minister should not have confronted him. Lieutenant Yerima was acting on orders. If Wike had any concerns, he should have spoken to his superiors or to me directly since I oversee naval affairs.”
The Defence Minister also reassured that the matter had already been communicated to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who promised to address the issue, underlining that the officer’s actions were lawful and professional.