IN PRAISE OF DUTY,: HONOUR AND EXEMPLARY CONDUCT

IN PRAISE OF DUTY,: HONOUR AND EXEMPLARY CONDUCT

(Mr. Moses Adedeji
Climate Justice Activist : Writes from Ogori Magongo LGA,Kogi State, November 13, 2025)

In the unfolding drama of our public life—one that spans politics, governance and the sacred duty of service—there emerges occasionally a figure whose calm courage and unwavering professionalism shine so brightly that they demand our attention, admiration and emulation.

That man is Lieutenant Yerima of the Nigerian Navy, whose exemplary conduct in the face of provocation by Nyesom Wike has earned him the highest respect of those who believe in service above self.

From the moment of confrontation, Lieutenant Yerima stood firm, guided by discipline, courtesy and the codes of his uniform — a sharp contrast to the unruly, high-decibel conduct of Mr. Wike. In that moment the difference between responsibility and recklessness was laid bare.

It is not often that we witness a naval officer calmly demanding clarity, insisting on proper channels, and thereby preserving the dignity of his institution when others might have surrendered to anger or allowed themselves to be derailed.

What deserves to be shouted from rooftops is not simply that the Navy-uniformed officer did his job — but that he did it right. In the glare of public attention, when the odds of being drawn into scandal or temperamental theatrics were high, he chose the higher path.

He stood for procedure, for respect, for accountability. He reminded us that uniform is not just cloth: it is a vow to serve the nation, to uphold order, to remain unflinching even when others around you may choose to shout louder, act faster, cut corners.

In contrast, the conduct of Nyesom Wike, once a Governor and now in a powerful federal role, revealed the hazards of unrestrained power.

Reports show that Minister Wike objected sharply to the intervention of the military in a land-development dispute, charging an officer of resorting to intimidation simply because of his uniform. In that moment he set the stage for chaos, making the rule of law appear optional and the privilege of office a weapon rather than a responsibility.

By contrast, Lieutenant Yerima responded with the surety of training and the humility of service — a reflection of what our security forces must aspire to be.

What do we learn from this tale of two actors? First: that character counts. It is far easier to command when you have higher rank, money, or the power of the state. It is far harder — and far more noble — to command respect when you have none of those wind-in-your-sails advantages, but you still do the right thing.

Lieutenant Yerima did not need pomp; the uniform was not enough of a statement. He made it into a statement by being consistent.

Second: that institutions matter. The Navy, in all its global traditions, stands for maritime discipline, chain of command, respect for civilian authority — but also respect for that authority when it is lawful and proper.

When an officer like Lieutenant Yerima acts instantly to demand clarity, record proper channels, and ensure the civilian actor (in this case Wike) cannot simply bypass or intimidate, he gives credibility to the institution, he gives hope to the people.

Meanwhile, when civil authorities behave as though they are above these checks, they erode that credibility.

Third: that leadership by example is the deepest call to service. When our society watches the spectacle of high-ranked officials engaged in public melodrama, shouting, pointing fingers, threatening — what message does it send? It sends that decorum, restraint, respect are optional. But when a lieutenant stands calmly, demands fairness, then marches on with professionalism regardless of the political storm swirling around him, he sends the opposite message: that duty is sacred; that behaviour has consequences; that even minor actors in the theatre of public life can reflect greatness.

Let us celebrate Lieutenant Yerima not because of his rank, but because of his resolve.

We may not know all his personal history, but we know the moment of crisis revealed him to be a man of bearing. We may raise our eyebrows at Mr. Wike’s conduct, but ultimately this is not about one politician’s misstep. It is about the choice each of us makes: to act well when the glare is intense, or to act poorly when we assume the glare is gone. Lieutenant Yerima chose the former.

In the end, our society must have models. We must have those who resist the throwaway tantrums of power, who stay calm in the eye of the storm, who remain committed to the public rather than to the persona. Lieutenant Yerima is such a model. He reminds us that service is bigger than self; that professionalism is not optional; that good conduct is not just the absence of wrongdoing, but the presence of steadfast honour.

We ought to praise him, not merely in passing, but loudly — so that his conduct becomes a whisper in the ears of every officer, every civil servant, every elected official: behave justly, act honourably, let your duty guide you and never let your rank excuse you.

And we must look at the contrast: in a world where some officialdom resorts to intimidation and theatrics, here is someone who simply did his job — and did it well.

In this moment of national reflection, let us hold up Lieutenant Yerima’s example: calm but firm, respectful but firm, professional but human. Let us hope that more will follow his example rather than his exceptions. Let us honour the man and the moment he created — for in such moments the soul of a nation shines through.

Signed
Mr. Moses Adedeji
Climate Justice Activist : Writes from Ogori Magongo LGA,Kogi State, November 13, 2025