Renowned Nigerian-American scholar Farooq Kperogi has offered insights on the recent encounter between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and military officer Lieutenant A.M. Yerima. Kperogi characterized the confrontation as a meaningful display of courage and restraint amid political tension.
The analyst described the incident as representing a fundamental conflict between authority and principle. He framed it as a collision between opposing forces in Nigerian political culture.
Examining Yerima’s Composure
Kperogi noted Yerima’s calm resistance contrasted sharply with Wike’s aggressive approach. This dynamic reportedly led to the minister’s retreat, viewed by many as humbling.
The professor praised the lieutenant’s self-assurance. He attributed this to disciplined upbringing and moral grounding. Despite significant status differences, Yerima maintained respectful firmness against intimidation.
Critique of Age-Based Power Dynamics
Kperogi addressed Nigeria’s cultural tendency where seniors weaponize age to silence dissent. He termed this “reverse ageism” – using seniority to dismiss valid criticism regardless of merit.
The confrontation revealed more about Wike’s arrogance than Yerima’s youth, Kperogi asserted. True maturity reflects conduct rather than age, he emphasized. The lieutenant represents Nigerians challenging intimidation with dignity.
Kperogi’s complete analysis follows:
“Three Reflections on Wike and Yerima”
By Farooq Kperogi
Various perspectives exist about the confrontation’s appropriateness. My focus differs. Many commentators agree Wike finally encountered his match in Yerima.
Their encounter recalls a philosophical axiom. An unstoppable force meeting an immovable object creates inevitable change. Yerima became that immovable presence.
Yerima demonstrated unprecedented resistance to Wike’s approach. His repeated “I am not a fool, sir” conveyed respectful defiance. This contrasted with others’ responses.
Second, Yerima displayed remarkable courage and composure. He maintained his position despite power imbalances. This self-assurance stems from formative development.
His conduct reflects a valuable principle. Be peaceful and respectful. Yet respond firmly to disrespect. Yerima balanced courtesy with strength.
Third, the incident reveals Nigeria’s gerontocratic tendencies. Older individuals often weaponize age against youth. I’ve previously termed this “reverse ageism.”
Age alone doesn’t confer authority. True maturity combines emotional and intellectual development. Only regressive minds prioritize birth years over substance.
Yerima exhibited greater maturity than Wike despite their age difference. Conduct matters more than chronological age. The lieutenant presented principled resistance.
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