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Wike Vs Officer Yerima: A Lesson in Power, Decorum, and the Rule of Law

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Aside from the legality or otherwise of the actions that led to Minister Nyesom Wike’s presence on the disputed land, his uncouth conduct towards the soldier involved was deeply unbecoming of a public officer of his stature.

A soldier is a person who has sworn an oath to defend this nation, even at the cost of his life. Such individuals deserve respect, not public humiliation. By calling a uniformed soldier “a fool,” the Honourable Minister did not merely insult one man; he denigrated the dignity of the entire Armed Forces.

As an Honourable Minister, Wike’s words and actions ought to be honourable. Unfortunately, his outburst betrays a pattern of high-handedness and abuse of authority, reminiscent of his previous confrontations in Rivers State. This is not the model of leadership Nigeria needs. It should instead be a sobering moment for the Minister to reflect on how to relate respectfully with all citizens, regardless of class or status.

Had Wike exercised a measure of restraint and courtesy toward Officer Yerima, the situation might not have degenerated into a public spectacle. The soldier, by his own consistent explanation, was merely acting on orders, a fact supported by law.

Under Section 56(1) and (2) of the Armed Forces Act, a soldier is duty-bound to obey lawful commands; failure to do so may amount to insubordination. Furthermore, Section 218(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests the President with command of the Armed Forces through the established military hierarchy. The soldier, therefore, had no discretion to abandon his post unless ordered to do so by a superior officer, such as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who reportedly contacted him during the incident. In the absence of a contrary order, the order to remain on site remained binding.

A soldier who acts within this chain of command has committed no offence. Only the President or a superior officer acting under delegated authority can countermand such orders. The minister’s confrontation with a lawful military operation was thus procedurally inappropriate.

Public officers, especially ministers of the Federal Republic, must uphold the rule of law and institutional respect at all times. Disagreements with the military or any other agency should be addressed through proper channels, rather than through public confrontation.

This incident should serve as a cautionary tale for all public officials: the exercise of power must be matched with decorum, humility, and respect for institutions. Leadership is not about shouting commands; it is about modelling restraint, fairness, and honour.

Hamza N. Danatni Esq.
Rights Activist.
13/11/25.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

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Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God

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Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.

The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.

Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.

The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

Published

on

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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