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Tinubu’s quote misrepresented as reaction to Wike-Yerima confrontation

Nurudeen Akewushola
Nurudeen Akewushola
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A quote attributed to President Bola Tinubu has been misrepresented online to suggest that it reflects the presidency’s position on the recent clash between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Navy officer, Ahmed Yerima.

The quote reads: “They Put Their Lives On The Line To Defend The Sovereignty Of This Country.”

A Facebook user, Nigeria News- Headline Today, posted :

“President Tinubu Snubs The FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Backs Lieutenant A.M. Yerima And The Entire Military, Saying “They Put Their Lives On The Line To Defend The Sovereignty Of This Country.”

READ: False claim circulates on tenure elongation for FCT chairmen, councillors

The post has generated over 50 likes and 19 shares on Facebook.

The quote also surfaced here.

CLAIM

President Bola Tinubu backed the military over the altercation involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer.

screenshot of the post claiming Tinubu backs Army over Wike

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING as the quote was taken out of context.

Recall that on 11 November 2025, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike clashed with Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima of the Nigerian Navy over land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The land reportedly belonged to retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

The confrontation occurred after Wike accused the former naval chief of carrying out illegal construction on the property. When personnel from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) went to halt the development, Yerima allegedly assaulted the officers, prompting the minister’s intervention.

In a viral video, Wike questioned the presence of the military on the disputed land, insisting that the ex-naval chief had no legal documents to support his claim. Yerima responded that he and his men were acting on superior orders and refused to vacate the site.

Checks, however, show that the quote in circulation has nothing to do with the tussle that ensued between a Naval officer and the FCT minister.

READ ALSO: Did Antony Blinken name Peter Obi, Wike, Keyamo, others in US visa ban announcement?

Tinubu commented on the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) conference in Abuja on November 12, discussing the role the military plays in protecting the lives and properties of citizens.

He stated that, given the risks Nigerian soldiers take to protect the country’s territorial integrity, the military deserves the support and encouragement of all Nigerians.

“Yes, we are challenged by terrorism, banditry, and others. We recognise that. “Are we doing something about it? Are we inspiring the armed forces? Are we encouraging them to fight?

“They put their lives on the line to defend the sovereignty of this country. It is our responsibility,” he said

The President’s comments came in the context of recent calls on the Federal Government to nip the spate of killings by terrorists and bandits in the bud.

Earlier in the month, United States President Trump said Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, describing the alleged killing as a “mass slaughter”.

The US president added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening”.

But the Federal Government urged the US President to be understanding in his approach to Nigeria’s security challenges.

It said it was winning the war against terrorism with major achievements recorded in the north-eastern part of the country.

A keyword search online did not show any statement from the president on the matter.

VERDICT

The claim that the quote is the president’s reaction to the tussle that occurred between FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and the Nigerian army is MISLEADING. The quote was taken out of context.

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Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.

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