By Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and naval officer Lieutenant A. M. Yerima over a disputed plot of land in Abuja stands as one of the most revealing moments in recent administrative history. What began as a simple enforcement visit to Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District quickly escalated into a public altercation that exposed deep flaws in the management of Abuja’s land administration and, more importantly, in the temperament of those entrusted with power.

According to reports from the Nigerian media and corroborated by credible sources, the land in question had originally been reserved for recreational use. A private estate company allegedly acquired it and attempted to change its purpose, a request that was rejected by the FCT Administration in 2022. Despite this rejection, construction continued, prompting the minister to order demolition of the illegal development. Upon arrival at the site, Wike reportedly encountered naval personnel guarding the premises, a scene that would soon spark a dramatic exchange.

Minister Wike defended his decision, arguing that the demolition was a lawful step toward restoring the Abuja Master Plan. On the surface, his position was valid. The capital city has for years suffered from flagrant violations of planning regulations, aided by the impunity of powerful developers. Yet while his motive was justifiable, his manner was not. His public outburst, caught on camera and widely shared, undermined the dignity of his office and shifted public focus from the legality of his mission to the volatility of his reaction.

Leadership demands composure, especially in tense circumstances. Wike’s anger transformed what should have been a model enforcement action into a spectacle of ego. Instead of displaying calm authority, he allowed personal irritation to overshadow professionalism. A true leader must know when to raise his voice and when silence speaks louder. Authority loses its moral weight when expressed through aggression rather than reasoned command.

In stark contrast, Lieutenant Yerima’s conduct throughout the ordeal was an example of discipline and emotional intelligence. Confronted publicly and harshly, he refused to be drawn into verbal conflict. He neither argued nor retaliated. Instead, he upheld his duty by adhering to the lawful orders of his superior, retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, who had instructed him to safeguard the property pending clarification. Yerima’s restraint, in the face of visible provocation, reflected not weakness but strength.

It takes rare self-control to remain calm when your authority is questioned and your dignity is tested. Lieutenant Yerima demonstrated this virtue with poise. His composure turned what could have been an explosive clash between civil and military authorities into a moment of quiet professionalism. By remaining respectful, he not only preserved the honor of his uniform but also displayed the emotional maturity that is too often missing in public discourse. His actions showed that obedience and discipline can coexist with dignity and self-respect.

The contrast between both men was stark. Wike, in his fury, allowed passion to cloud judgment. Yerima, in his calmness, revealed the essence of leadership under pressure. True power is not proven by the loudness of one’s voice but by the steadiness of one’s character. In that encounter, it was the naval officer, not the minister, who exemplified what it means to be in control.

Subsequent clarifications suggested that retired Admiral Gambo may have been misled into purchasing the plot by unscrupulous developers. If that is the case, then he was more a victim of manipulation than a willful violator. The minister’s grievance, therefore, should have been directed through due process rather than personal confrontation. Still, the escalation might have been avoided altogether if the naval personnel had not been deployed to the site. Even then, Yerima’s professionalism ensured the situation did not spiral into violence or humiliation.

This episode reveals a broader problem, the culture of showmanship in governance. Abuja’s development challenges cannot be fixed by camera ready demolitions or heated confrontations. They demand quiet diligence, institutional transparency, and policies anchored in fairness, not fury. Wike’s desire to restore order is commendable, but order imposed through anger seldom endures. The city needs leadership guided by humility as much as determination.

It would be unfair to dismiss Wike’s frustration entirely. He inherited a capital city scarred by years of regulatory neglect. His zeal to enforce order reflects his deep-seated belief in discipline. But in leadership, passion must be tempered with patience. A minister’s words and actions carry the weight of national image. It is not enough to be right; one must also be measured.

Lieutenant Yerima’s example offers a quiet but powerful lesson in leadership. His demeanor reflected loyalty to duty without surrendering personal integrity. In remaining calm under pressure, he demonstrated that respect for hierarchy and commitment to principle are not mutually exclusive. His silence became a symbol of strength, not submission.

If we are to assign blame, it must be said that Wike’s conduct carried the heavier fault. His anger distracted from the validity of his mission, and his approach undermined the spirit of the rule of law he sought to defend. Yerima, by contrast, walked the narrow path between obedience and self-control, a balance that many in public service struggle to maintain. The minister’s office should represent reason and restraint, not raw emotion.

This confrontation should be a moment of reflection for everyone in authority. Power without humility becomes recklessness. Authority without empathy breeds tyranny. The Abuja Master Plan deserves protection, but it must not come at the expense of civility. Leadership must not only enforce the law but also embody the values that give the law its legitimacy.

In the end, the lesson from Plot 1946 is not just about land, it is about leadership. Strength lies not in shouting orders but in commanding respect through composure. In that tense exchange between the minister and the naval officer, Lieutenant Yerima emerged as the true example of discipline in the face of provocation. His calmness redefined professionalism, reminding us all that sometimes the greatest power is self-control.