In the wake of the widely debated confrontation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and naval officer Lieutenant Commander Yerima, retired Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor has issued a strong reminder on the significance of respecting the military uniform as a symbol of national authority.
Speaking at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja during a keynote address on media, terrorism, and national security, Gen. Irabor underscored that the military uniform transcends the individual wearing it. “The uniform symbolizes the power, dignity, and sovereignty of the nation,” he declared.
He emphasized that any act of disrespect or disparagement directed at uniformed personnel effectively undermines the authority of the Nigerian state itself. “Whether it is a young officer or a senior one, to insult them is to insult the state,” Irabor said.
Addressing the public reactions to the Wike-Yerima incident, the retired military leader described much of the discourse as “largely misguided,” cautioning that many commentators had overlooked the core issue — respect for state institutions embodied by uniformed officers.
Irabor reminded audiences that the Nigerian Armed Forces operate under stringent codes of conduct, which prohibit acts of physical assault or public humiliation, even by senior officers. “Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier. There are formal mechanisms to address misconduct, which is what differentiates a nation governed by law from a jungle,” he explained.
Drawing on legal principles, Irabor noted the importance of understanding both the act itself (actus reus) and the intent (mens rea) in evaluating offenses. While recognizing Wike’s authority over land matters, he stressed that the controversy hinges significantly on maintaining respect for the state’s authority as represented by uniformed personnel.
The retired general also lamented what he described as the decline in civic education and public awareness regarding national institutions. “We’ve lost our educational footing. Values like respect for institutions and understanding authority were once taught in schools but seem to be forgotten,” he noted.
Irabor called on the media to assume a responsible role in shaping national conversation. “The media wield immense power through their words. Use this power wisely to bolster, not erode, respect for our security forces,” he urged.
Highlighting the importance of the rule of law, Irabor reassured that misbehaving officers face disciplinary action, but insisted that the uniform itself must always be respected to sustain social order. “If a person in uniform abuses their authority, the process of accountability will take its course. But the uniform’s sanctity must not be compromised.”
Concluding, General Irabor warned of the dangers posed by widespread disregard for state symbols. “If respect for the uniform and what it represents erodes, Nigeria risks descending into lawlessness. We cannot afford to become a jungle where the law is ignored. Respect the uniform. Respect what it stands for,” he said emphatically.
