By Emma Ujah (Abuja Bureau Chief) and Joseph Erunke
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has spoken out on the recent confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer, stressing that any act of disrespect toward uniformed personnel is a direct insult to the Nigerian state itself.
Speaking during his keynote address at the National Dialogue on Media, Terrorism, and National Security held at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja, Gen. Irabor reminded Nigerians that the military uniform is not just fabric, but a symbol of national power, dignity, and sovereignty.
“The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state,” he declared.
“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.”
The retired general, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from 2021 to 2023, described the public outrage surrounding the Wike–naval officer incident as “largely misguided.” He explained that many citizens have focused on personalities rather than the principle of state authority represented by the uniform.
Irabor emphasized that the Nigerian military operates under a strict code of conduct, where even the highest-ranking officer is not above the law.
“Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier. If I do, I will face disciplinary action,” he said.
“There are laid-down mechanisms for addressing misconduct, and that is what distinguishes a state governed by law from a jungle.”
Referencing legal principles, he urged Nigerians to understand every offence in two dimensions — actus reus (the act) and mens rea (the intent). While acknowledging Wike’s administrative authority over land matters in the FCT, Irabor noted that the core issue is respect for the state’s symbols, especially the uniformed services who embody that authority.
He lamented what he called the erosion of civic education and the decline in public understanding of national institutions.
“We’ve lost our educational traction,” he lamented. “Things that were once taught in schools — like respect for institutions and understanding authority — are now forgotten.”
Turning to the media, Gen. Irabor charged journalists and editors to act responsibly in shaping national discourse, warning that reckless commentary can erode public trust in the military and security institutions.
“The media are the last men standing in the defence of the state,” he said. “You may not carry a sword, but your words are powerful. Use them to strengthen, not weaken, the nation.”
Calling for restraint in public dealings with uniformed officers, Irabor clarified that while security agents are not above the law, their uniforms deserve respect as symbols of national order.
“If a person in uniform misuses authority, the law will deal with him. But the uniform itself must be respected — that’s what sustains order in a civilised society,” he concluded.
The retired General warned that continued disregard for the state’s symbols of authority could drag Nigeria toward lawlessness and disorder.
“We must not turn our country into a jungle where everyone takes the law into their own hands,” he said firmly. “Respect the uniform. Respect what it stands for.”