There’s a thin line between power and impunity — and Abuja just watched that line catch fire.
The viral video of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike squaring off with a young army officer, Lt. Yerima, wasn’t just another political drama. It was a mirror — reflecting how authority and arrogance often dance on the same stage in Nigeria. But beneath the noise lies a cold legal question: Who was actually right?
Let’s strip the emotions away and face the facts.
Claims surfaced that Lt. Yerima was “on lawful duty,” guarding a retired General’s property — because, according to some, every full-star General is entitled to six military escorts for life. Bold claim. But where’s the law?
After reviewing available military regulations and public records, no verifiable document confirms that any retired General is automatically entitled to armed escorts.
Serving officers, yes — they may have protection tied to their office. But once retired, the guns must go back to the armory unless Defence Headquarters explicitly authorizes otherwise.
Now, let’s open the Constitution — not a rumor mill.
Section 218 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states clearly:
“The powers to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces of the Federation shall be vested in the President.”
That’s it.
Not in a retired General.
Not in a minister.
Not in a Lieutenant, however gallant.
So, if Defence Headquarters didn’t issue a deployment order for that property, those soldiers were out of line — plain and simple. But if such an order existed, then Wike, in his trademark bulldozing style, overstepped by confronting them directly. Either way, one side was standing on illegal ground.
Now picture this: a civilian minister marching up to an armed officer; the officer standing his ground, uniform tight, face stiff. Cameras rolling. The nation watching. One represents political authority, the other, military pride. But what the scene really showed was a crisis of boundaries — a country where everyone wants to command, but no one wants to obey the law.
And this isn’t new. Nigeria’s streets have seen soldiers flog civilians for traffic offenses, while politicians use sirens to intimidate the same citizens they swore to serve. We keep confusing office with ownership, and rank with right.
So before you take sides, ask yourself — who guards the rule of law when both the uniform and the title forget their limits?
Until Defence Headquarters releases an official statement, Yerima’s “lawful duty” remains unverified — and Wike’s confrontation, however dramatic, remains a dangerous precedent.
In the end, this wasn’t about land.
It was about the landmines beneath our democracy.
Linus Anagboso.
#D-BIGPEN
— Inspiring Impact Through Words & Innovation.
