“A general can become a minister, but a minister can’t become a general” — Lt. Yerima
A remark by trending Nigerian naval officer Lieutenant A.M. Yerima has stirred major conversation online following the appointment of retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
Yerima’s Comment Goes Viral
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Lt. Yerima reacted to the announcement by referencing his former boss — the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, now serving as Defence Minister.
In his post, he stated:
“Know this: a General can rise to become a Minister, but a Minister can never rise to the rank of General.”
The tweet rapidly spread, collecting thousands of comments and generating a lively debate across social platforms.
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Ongoing Tension After Abuja Land Incident
Yerima’s comment surfaced shortly after a separate viral incident involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
A recent video circulating online shows the naval officer standing firm during a confrontation over a contested parcel of land in Abuja. In the footage, Lt. Yerima refuses the minister entry, insisting he is acting strictly under superior orders.
Despite Wike’s visible irritation, the officer maintains a calm and disciplined posture throughout — a stance that earned him widespread commendation from viewers.
Online Reactions
Social media users quickly weighed in with varying takes:
@Daniel3d_ wrote: “This stone you just threw… hmmm.”
@shagbastic commented: “What if the minister later becomes president and commands all the generals? Think about that.”
@AyindeSulaim… added: “A General may aspire to become a Minister, but a Minister can’t aspire to become a General.”
@Aminuidaah said: “Celebrating a general coming into political power after so much loss of life feels wrong. Any gain from that office is stained.”
@sadiq_taiwo asked: “If an ex-General becomes Minister of FCT, whose orders take precedence then?”
@Shawnavive noted: “Don’t forget — he can still become Commander-in-Chief.”
