Matawalle Speaks on the Possibility of Sanctioning Military Officer Who Clashed With Wike
- Minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle, has played down disciplining Lt. Ahmad Yerima, the officer involved in the row with FCT minister, Nyesom Wike
- Matawalle said the military officer conducted himself professionally and acted strictly under orders, maintaining composure throughout the encounter
- Matawalle cautioned against undermining the armed forces, noting that disrespecting men in uniform indirectly challenged the authority of the Commander-in-Chief
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, has said Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the military officer involved in a tense confrontation with Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), will not face any sanction.
Matawalle gave the assurance in an interview with DCL Hausa, amid public speculation that the officer could be punished over the confrontation.
Source: Twitter
Matawalle clarified that the officer’s actions did not breach any military code of conduct.
According to Matawalle, the FCT minister should not have exchanged words with the officer, but ought to have channelled his concerns through the appropriate superior officers.
Vanguard quoted the former Zamfara state governor as saying:
“He did not commit any offence under military regulations; he merely obeyed a lawful order and followed due process. If you observe carefully, he spoke respectfully and conducted himself properly."
Wike: 'No officer on lawful duty’ll be punished'
The explanation from Matawalle came hours after minister of defence, Mohammed Badaru, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting and safeguarding officers of the armed forces while performing their lawful duties.
Badaru, who gave the assurance when he addressed a press conference in Abuja to officially flag off the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), cautioned against actions that could undermine the authority, professionalism, or dignity of uniformed personnel in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Source: Facebook
He said:
“Well, at the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. So we are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly.
“So we will not allow anything to happen to him so far he is doing his job, and he is doing his job greatly well."
Read more similar stories:
- Abuja: Lt. Yerima Speaks on Why Military Officers Won't Kill Wike, FCTA Officials, Others
- "Unruly and Arrogant": Wike Blasts Gallant Naval Officer Who Confronted Him in Abuja
- VP Shettima's Top Aide Mentions Whose Right Between Wike and Gallant Naval Officer
- Wike vs Military Officer Yerima: Isaac Fayose Questions Minister Over His Power Amid Viral Saga
- Wike vs Officer: 'He Represents the President,' Jonathan's Ex-Minister Wades into Brawl Controversy
- Wike vs Military Officer Yerima: Deji Adeyanju Calls Out FCT Minister, Alleges Land Revocations
Wike-Yerima’s clash: Nigerian Navy keeps mum
Legit.ng also reported that the clash between Wike and some officers of the Nigerian Navy has continued to generate reactions from Nigerians.
However, the Nigerian Navy remained silent following the viral video showing the heated argument between Wike and Lt. Yerima.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
