Disrespecting military uniform is an insult to the Nigerian State – Irabor tells Wike

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 uniformed personnel constitutes an affront to the authority of the Nigerian state.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025, during a national dialogue on Media, Terrorism, and National Security, Irabor said the uniform worn by military and security officers goes beyond personal identity, symbolising “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.

He cautioned that disparaging remarks or hostile actions against members of the armed forces amount to insulting the Nigerian state itself.

“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,” he said.

Irabor, who led the Nigerian Armed Forces from 2021 to 2023, described public reactions to the FCT Minister’s encounter with the naval officer as “largely misguided,” stressing that many commentators had “missed the real issue.”

He reminded Nigerians that the military operates under strict codes of discipline, and that no officer, regardless of rank, 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,” Irabor stated.

Drawing from legal principles, the retired general explained that every offence must be assessed through actus reus (the act itself) and mens rea (the intent behind it). While acknowledging the minister’s authority over land administration in the FCT, he maintained that the controversy underscored the need to respect symbols of state authority represented by the uniformed services.

Irabor expressed concern over what he called a growing erosion of civic education and national values.

“We’ve lost our educational traction. Things that were once taught in primary and secondary schools—like respect for institutions and understanding authority—are now forgotten,” he lamented.

He also charged the media to play a constructive role in shaping public discourse, warning that irresponsible reporting or commentary could undermine confidence in national 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 urged.