By Victor Anazonwu
Lt. Ahmed Yerima’s conduct in a recent public stand-off with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has rightly ignited a national conversation—not merely about military behaviour, but about citizenship, character, and the nature of authority in a troubled democracy. The young naval officer respectfully stood his ground when confronted by the minister and his large retinue of security personnel, aides, demolition team and the media.
Though he and his men were completely outnumbered, Yerima insisted on guarding his duty post until a counter instruction came from his superiors. A potentially bloody clash loomed. Wike retreated after his intimidation tactics failed to move the officer. Beyond the headlines, this episode offers at least ten important lessons for Nigeria.
Age is not the same as wisdom.
Growing older is inevitable; growing wiser is a choice. Many senior citizens wield influence without the maturity to match it.
Position or rank does not automatically confer moral authority. A title may bestow visibility, but it does not guarantee judgment, restraint, or credibility.
Professional credentials do not equal common sense.
In Nigeria, one can be a lawyer, a minister, or even a former governor, yet still display breathtaking lapses in reasoning. Education without character is dangerous.
Insult should never be mistaken for insight.
Serious leadership requires clarity, fairness, and depth—not the cheap theatrics of contempt.
Citizens who fail to defend their rights invite abuse.
A society that does not assert its dignity will inevitably be trampled by those who recognise no boundaries.
Tyranny thrives where courage disappears.
The success of oppressors often depends not on their strength but on the silence and submission of the people they dominate.
Firmness with respect is a mark of maturity.
Civility does not mean weakness, and rudeness is not courage. Responsible authority is both calm and principled.
Courage flows from character, not uniforms or offices.
Power does not create bravery; it merely exposes it. True courage is moral and internal. Many Presidents, Governors, Generals and people of high rank have failed where this junior officer excelled.
Proximity to power is not honour.
Those who defend or enable indecent leaders compromise their own dignity. Honour lies in defending principles, not personalities.
Victimhood is not a national strategy. Nor is it a badge of honor.
A population that refuses to resist injustice guarantees the growth of impunity, abuse, and even terrorism.
Conclusion
Earlier this year, courage failed Governor Siminalayi Fubara during his standoff with the same Minister Nyesom Wike over who truly holds power in Rivers State. And for nearly 15 years, courage has also failed Christian minority communities across Northern Nigeria as they repeatedly refuse or are unable to defend themselves against genocidal jihadists and terrorists.
Abandoned by a Nigerian state that has chosen to look the other way, many of these communities now pin their hopes on the President of the United States—despite having done far too little to come together and protect themselves or assert their own rights.
The lessons from Lt. Yerima cut deeper than the actions of any one officer. They challenge every Nigerian—civilian and uniformed—to rethink what we accept, what we excuse, and what we stand for. If taken seriously, they may yet help Nigeria reclaim the dignity long lost to fear, silence, and misplaced loyalty.
For that we must thank the brave, young, naval officer called AM Yerima.
