The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reiterated that it’s an honour to serve in the Nigerian Military, emphasising three key words: ‘Unshaken. Unsent. Unbroken’.
The DHQ posted the message late Tuesday night following a public heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval Officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, at a disputed land in Abuja.
In a flyer posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) of the DHQ, it declared, “IT IS AN HONOUR TO SERVE IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY. UNSHAKEN. UNBENT. UNBROKEN.”
However, the DHQ’s cryptic post has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some netizens interpreting it as a show of support for the Naval officer involved in the clash with Wike, while others argued that it could be seen as endorsing disobedience to lawful civilian authority.
Some netizens expressed concern that the statement appeared to condone the officer’s actions, which involved blocking government officials from carrying out their duties.
A social media user, @Fathi-Yindi asked, “Is this a thumb up to officer Yerima? Are you encouraging what happened today? Is military not under civilian rule in a democracy? Well God Bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Similarly, @Kwara_Yakoyo suggested that the post endorsed illegal activity, writing, “This sounds like endorsement of illegal activity of the naval officer who obstructed civilians from carrying out their lawful duty. We have serious problem in this country.”
However, some others were of the opinion that the DHQ’s post highlighted the officer’s professionalism and adherence to military hierarchy rather than condoning wrongdoing. @MeneFreeman argued that Yerima acted appropriately, pointing out that Wike personally handed him the phone to speak with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
He wrote: “Those of you saying he was guiding a piece of land, did you observe that Wike called and spoke to the CDS? He handed over the phone to the young gallant officer who also spoke to his superior and explained himself. For the officer not to demob, it means even the CDS is in support.”
Others praised the officer’s courage and discipline in the face of public scrutiny. @EbongDi wrote, “When Lt A.M. Yerima said, ‘I am a commissioned officer…’ Tears almost fell from my eyes. I know what that means. God bless Yerima. God bless the Nigerian Military. God bless Nigeria.”
@FemiBadekale added, “LT A.M. Yerima professionally represents Nigeria military well, he should be promoted. Educating everyone that there’s no retired general, his actions will restore the lost honor back to the military. He was cool, courteous & brave, indeed he was an officer with integrity.”
Meanwhile, some netizens emphasised the importance of respecting the military as an institution. @ash_AMARcocoa said, “Any politician that disrespects our military should be treated like a criminal. Our military signed a death warrant to protect our country. Politicians are being elected to serve the citizens; they do not possess any power to disrespect our military.”
