The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he referred to naval officer Lieutenant A.M. Yerima as a fool because he was carrying out an illegal order.

This was as he stated that the confrontation he had with the naval officer was not a disrespect to the Nigerian military.

Speaking during a press briefing, Wike urged reporters to conduct their own investigations into what really transpired between him and the officer, rather than relying on unverified reports.

He said, "Those who are writing junk, go and find out what really happened. Some people will say I said the boy is a fool. What I meant was this: You cannot be carrying out an illegal order. That's what I meant. I didn;t say military you are a fool. I couldn't have said that. I know the role of the military, the role they have played in this country, what they have passed through in the hands of insurgents and terrorists.

"I've given my support to security. As I came as FCT Minister, go and see their security... go and see what I provided fpr them to fight and dp their work. Sp, if I know that, why would I say... It's not true. But ypu, what you're doing, you are not doing what you are not doing what you're taught as an officer."