The internet went wild after a short video surfaced showing a heated exchange between a uniformed soldier and a senior government minister at a site in Gaduwa, Abuja.
In the clip, the official insists on accessing a piece of land, while the soldier stands his ground and blocking the way.
Within hours, social media had split into two camps: those praising the soldier’s “boldness” and those accusing him of disrespecting civil authority.
But what really happened that day? Let’s unpack this viral moment and highlight four important things every Nigerian should know about the Gaduwa confrontation.
1. The viral clip gives hope to Nigerians against people who claim to oppress the youth
The short video everyone saw was recorded during a Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) enforcement visit to a disputed property in Gaduwa, Abuja.
Reports say the minister’s team went there to stop what they called an illegal construction but military personnel were already guarding the land, allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The clip we saw gave hope to Nigerian youths of what is possible. Standing firm and strong against government officials who are oppressing the civilians.
2. It’s deeper than “who’s right or wrong”
Now, here’s where I stand and maybe you’ll agree with me.
The soldier’s actions shouldn’t be judged on “right or wrong” alone.
Why? Because a soldier’s first duty is obedience.
A soldier doesn’t act on personal emotions or titles, they act on orders. Even when those orders seem harsh or controversial, disobedience is not an option in the military.
So, expecting him to suddenly disobey his commanding officer just because a senator or minister showed up? That’s not how the military chain of command works.
In other words, the soldier was simply doing what soldiers are trained to do — obey.
3. The minister wasn’t entirely wrong either
On the other hand, the minister was doing his job too by enforcing FCT regulations and trying to protect public land. That’s perfectly fine.
However, his reaction to the entire situation shows the picture of what today’s government is , disrespectful, oppressive and reflects the “anyhowness” of Nigerians.
Respect goes both ways. The uniform demands discipline but the office of a minister also demands composure especially in public view and when addressing public matters.
4. What Nigerians should take away
This incident teaches us that authority doesn’t always mean maturity.
It shows how fragile civil-military relations can be when Process gives way to pride.
We need systems that make enforcement professional, not personal. We need leaders with strong accountability and youth representatives like the young man who refuses to give in.
Final thought
The Gaduwa confrontation wasn’t just about a soldier and a minister ,it was about discipline vs democracy, order vs ego, authority vs process.
At the end of the day, may this serve as a reminder that true leadership isn’t about who shouts loudest but it’s about who stands firm, stays calm and lets the law speak.
Stay tuned for next week’s roundup because, in Nigeria, the news never sleeps. Follow Lists NG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for more.
