A frontline civic advocacy group, the United Brothers’ of Opobo Kingdom(UBOK), has called on President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency confer a national honour on Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, the officer who recently clashed with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike during an inspection exercise in Gaduwa, Abuja.
The group said Yarima’s composure, discipline, and respect for the chain of command during the controversial incident “reflected the highest standards of military ethics and professional restraint”, adding that “Nigeria must celebrate integrity, not intimidate it”.
This was contained in a statement by the group in Port Harcourt shortly after her National Executive Council(NEC) meeting .
The statement which was signed by its President, Godswill Jaja, Secretary, Daniel Finebone, and Director, Media and Publicity, Joe Omubo Pepple respectively, UBOK described Yerima’s.action as a “shining symbol of responsible uniformed conduct amid provocation and public pressure”.
“In a country yearning for models of professionalism and courage, Yerima stands tall. He defended institutional integrity without losing composure or violating decorum. His calmness under fire deserves honour, not hostility”, the group stated.
The group urged the Presidency to resist politicization of the incident, arguing that” rewarding ethical conduct in public service will rebuild trust in our institutions”.
It further emphasized that Yerima’s actions epitomized” disciplined courage” and underscored the urgent need for cleaner civil- military engagement protocols.
“When the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike stormed a disputed land site in Gaduwa and confronted Naval Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, Nigerians witnessed more than a quarrel, they saw the raw tension between political power and institutional discipline.
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“Yerima, in uniform and on official duty, held his ground, not rudely, but firmly. He reminded the minister that he was a commissioned officer bound by orders and protocol. In an age where subservience often masquerades as respect, that moment was rare. Critics might call it defiance, others see dignity.
“His restraint spoke louder than anger could ever have done. For a nation often embarrassed by scenes of abuse, Yerima’s civility offered a glimpse of what professional service should look like”, UBOK declared.
The organization added that, ” honouring him would be more than symbolic and it would announce that Nigeria values integrity above intimidation.
“It would tell young officers and public servants that courage within the law will not go unnoticed,” UBOK submitted.
