At a time when integrity in public service often appears to be slipping into obscurity, Officer A.M. Yerima has not only reminded FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike that he’s not “a fool” but also the nation that honour and principle still dwell within the ranks of the Nigerian military.
Yerima’s ecent conduct—calm, firm, and unswayed by power—revealed that integrity is not an outdated virtue, but the very foundation upon which the military’s dignity and authority are built.
In the face of provocation and political arrogance during the confrontation involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and military personnel over a land dispute, Officer Yerima stood as a silent sentinel of discipline. His refusal to bow to intimidation, even when confronted by a figure of immense political influence, proved that the uniform he wears is more than fabric and insignia—it is a living testament to service, sacrifice, and self-respect.
His composure amid insults and attempted humiliation demonstrated that true strength does not manifest in aggression, but in restraint. In an era where political expediency often overshadows moral clarity, Yerima’s demeanor was a striking reminder that the military remains one of the last bastions of integrity and order. His calm defiance was not rebellion—it was righteousness; not insubordination, but adherence to principle.
The incident laid bare an uncomfortable truth about our polity: too many of our leaders have come to mistake authority for impunity, and office for omnipotence. In any civilized clime, such open display of contempt for the military and its officers would have attracted immediate accountability. Indeed, had this confrontation taken place elsewhere, Minister Nyesom Wike would likely have faced sanction for his actions. However, Yerima, in his disciplined restraint, chose the higher moral ground. He allowed dignity to prevail over disorder, and professionalism to triumph over provocation.
Through his conduct, Yerima reaffirmed what the nation must never forget—that the military is not merely an institution of defense, but a symbol of national identity, unity, and pride. It embodies the spirit of sacrifice that holds a nation together in its darkest hours. To respect the military is, therefore, to honour the very essence of nationhood.
Officer Yerima’s integrity stands as both a rebuke to impunity and a call to conscience. He has shown that moral courage remains the finest weapon in the arsenal of any true officer. His example should echo through every barracks, every public office, every seat of power—reminding us that the measure of leadership is not domination, but discipline; not fear, but fairness.
Nigeria is in desperate need of more men and women like A.M. Yerima—custodians of honour who understand that loyalty to the nation transcends loyalty to individuals. His quiet heroism should not pass unrecognized. It deserves national commendation and institutional acknowledgment, for it rekindles faith in the ideals that once defined our public life: justice, integrity, and service above self.
Yerima’s name, now etched in the public consciousness, stands as a moral landmark—a reminder that even in turbulent times, character still matters, and that the Nigerian military, when true to its creed, remains a fortress of integrity worthy of respect and reverence.
