Nigerian-American professor and public affairs analyst, Farooq Kperogi, has offered his perspective on the recent confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, characterizing the encounter as a significant display of courage and restraint.
In his analysis, Kperogi remarked that the altercation represented a clash between power and principle, akin to a battle between an unstoppable force and an immovable object.
Kperogi on Yerima’s Composure
He observed that Yerima’s calm defiance sharply contrasted with Wike’s characteristic aggression, leading to a retreat that many viewed as a humbling experience for the minister.
Kperogi commended Yerima’s composure and confidence, attributing his courage to a strong discipline and moral upbringing. He highlighted that despite the significant social and political differences between the two men, the young officer remained respectful yet firm in the face of verbal intimidation, demonstrating that integrity can withstand authority.
Nigerian Ageism
The commentator also reflected on the cultural tendency in Nigeria for older individuals to use age to suppress dissent, referring to this as “reverse ageism,” where seniority is used to invalidate legitimate criticism, regardless of intellectual or emotional maturity.
Kperogi concluded that the viral confrontation revealed more about Wike’s arrogance than Yerima’s youth, asserting that true maturity is determined by conduct, not age. He applauded Yerima for representing a new generation of Nigerians unafraid to challenge intimidation with dignity and reason.
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