A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has blasted the reactions of Nigerians to the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima, in Abuja. He recently revealed that a lot of the reactions have been misguided, and Nigerians have been reacting.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Media, Terrorism, and National Security, held during the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Abuja, Irabor said that the people must realize that the military uniform symbolises the authority, dignity and sovereignty of the Nigerian state.
According to him, any act of disrespect towards those wearing the uniform automatically amounts to an insult to the country itself.
Faulting commentators for “missing the point,” he stressed that the sanctity of the uniform is a representation of state power.
“The uniform is not about the individual wearing it; it represents the authority of the state. Whether it is a young officer or a senior one, when you make disparaging remarks or act against them, you are, in fact, insulting the state itself.
Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier. If I do, I will face disciplinary action. There are laid-down mechanisms for addressing misconduct, and that is what distinguishes a state governed by law from a jungle,” he said.
He further acknowledged that while Wike has constitutional authority over land administration, respect for uniformed personnel remains non-negotiable.
Irabor concluded by saying that maintaining respect for the uniform and those who wear it is key to preserving law and order in Nigeria.
“If a person in uniform abuses his authority, he will be dealt with. But the uniform itself must be respected. That’s what sustains order in a civilised society.
We must not turn our country into a jungle where everyone takes the law into their own hands. Respect the uniform. Respect what it stands for,” he added.
