Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has cautioned that any act of disrespect toward uniformed military or security personnel amounts to an affront to the authority and sovereignty of the Nigerian state.
Speaking on Thursday at the National Dialogue on Media, Terrorism, and National Security during the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja, Irabor said the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer should serve as a reminder that the uniform represents the power and dignity of the nation, not just the individual wearing it.
“The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state,” Irabor 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.”
Irabor, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from 2021 to 2023, criticised the public discourse surrounding the incident, describing it as “largely misguided.” He explained that the real issue goes beyond personalities and revolves around respect for state institutions and the rule of law.
“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 noted.
Drawing on legal principles, Irabor said every offence should be viewed through actus reus (the act itself) and mens rea (the intent behind it). While the FCT Minister has authority over land matters, he said the controversy’s heart lies in recognising the symbolic weight of the uniform and the respect due to those who wear it lawfully.
Irabor lamented what he described as a decline in civic education, which he said has weakened citizens’ understanding of authority and institutional respect.
“We’ve lost our educational traction,” he said. “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 act responsibly in shaping national narratives, cautioning that careless reporting could further erode public trust and respect for national 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 advised.
Calling for restraint and discipline in interactions with security officers, Irabor stressed that there are legal and procedural channels to address any misconduct by uniformed personnel.
“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 said.
The retired general concluded with a warning: “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.”
