The Truth Is That Yerima Is the Only Person Who Stands Relatively Blameless in the Mess– Farotimi

Following the clash between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over a disputed land in Abuja, lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has weighed in on the incident. The dispute happened at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, involving land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Wike, accompanied by armed officials from the DSS and police, went to the site to stop what he called illegal construction. However, they were stopped by armed naval personnel led by Officer A.M. Yerima, who claimed they were acting on orders from the land’s owner.

In his reaction via X, Farotimi pointed out the confusion and lawlessness surrounding the situation. He stated that among all the parties involved, Yerima appeared to be the only one acting according to instructions and with a sense of duty. He argued that the real problem is not Yerima’s actions, but the larger failure of institutions and respect for legal processes.

Farotimi described the situation as one that could only happen in a place where systems are weak. He questioned why a government minister would go for a demolition with armed security agents instead of allowing legal channels to handle the matter. On the other hand, he also raised concerns about a retired admiral sending military personnel to defend private property.

In his words, “The truth is that Yerima is the only person who stands relatively blameless in the mess illustrated by the entire episode. If you would presume regularity to the facts, you’d see the madness.”

Here’s a screenshot of his post.