By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief and Joseph Erunke
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has weighed in on the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer, warning that any act of disrespect towards the uniformed services amounts to an affront on the authority of the Nigerian state.
In his keynote address at the national dialogue on media, terrorism, and national security, at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja on Thursday, Gen. Irabor said uniforms worn by military or security personnel go beyond the individual, noting, “it symbolises the power, dignity, and sovereignty of the nation.”
“The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state,” he declared.
According to him, “Whether it’s a young officer or a senior one, when you make disparaging remarks or act against them, you are in fact insulting the state itself.”
Irabor, who led the Nigerian Armed Forces from 2021 to 2023, described the public reactions to the FCT minister’s encounter with the officer as “largely misguided,” adding that many commentators had “missed the real issue.”
He reminded citizens that the military operates under strict codes of conduct and that no one, not even a general, has the right to physically assault or publicly humiliate a subordinate.
“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 added.
Drawing from legal principles, the retired general explained that every offence must be viewed through two lenses, actus reus (the act itself) and mens rea (the intent behind it).
He said that while the FCT minister has authority over land matters, the heart of the controversy lies in the respect owed to state authority as embodied by uniformed officers.
Irabor expressed worry over what he described as the erosion of civic education and public understanding of national institutions.
“We’ve lost our educational traction,” he lamented. “Things that were once taught in primary and secondary schools, like respect for institutions and understanding authority, are now forgotten.”
He urged the media to play a constructive role in shaping national discourse, warning that careless reporting or commentary could erode public respect for security institutions.
“The media are the last men standing in the defence of the state. You may not have the sword, but your words carry immense power. Use them responsibly to strengthen, not weaken, the nation,” he said.
Calling for restraint and respect in dealing with uniformed personnel, Irabor said the rule of law provides channels for redress if a soldier or police officer errs.
“If the person in uniform misuses his authority, he will be dealt with, but the uniform itself must be respected. That’s what sustains order in a civilised society,” he added.
General Irabor warned that if citizens and leaders alike continue to disregard the symbols of state authority, Nigeria risks sliding into lawlessness.
“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 said firmly.
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