A young Nigerian soldier, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has become a symbol of courage and professionalism after a video of him standing his ground against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike went viral. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Lt. Yerima, acting on orders from his superiors, prevented Minister Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The video, which has garnered millions of views, shows Wike growing increasingly agitated as Lt. Yerima calmly refuses him entry, citing his orders. Social media users have widely praised the soldier’s composure, with many describing him as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous.’ Some have even shared his photo on their WhatsApp statuses as a mark of respect. The confrontation is particularly notable because Wike, a former governor of oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Known for his assertive demeanor, Wike rarely faces resistance from lower-ranking officials. In the video, Wike is heard insulting the soldier, saying, ‘You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.’ Lt. Yerima responds calmly, stating, ‘I am not a fool, sir.’ The reason for the soldiers’ presence on the land remains unclear, and the Nigerian military has yet to comment on the incident. Wike later told journalists that he visited the site after officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reported being chased away by soldiers. He claimed the land falls under his jurisdiction and that his administration is investigating reports of illegal construction and land encroachment. ‘This is what prevents us from progressing,’ Wike said, adding that the soldiers failed to produce the documents he requested. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about accountability, professionalism, and the rule of law in Nigeria.