Former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has urged Nigerians to show utmost respect for the country’s armed forces following the viral confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.
Naijaonpoint reports that Lawan spoke to journalists on Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
The former Senate President praised the military for what he described as their unwavering dedication to protecting lives and defending national unity.
Lawan commended the security agencies for their sacrifices, saying all Nigerians, regardless of their social or political standing, must appreciate the selflessness of the armed forces.
“Let me commend our armed forces and other security agencies for doing so much for us, to protect our lives and property,” he said.
“They deserve our respect. They deserve our support at all times. This administration is giving a lot of funds to the armed forces and other security agencies, and I believe the next thing is to insist on getting returns from the investments we make.”
Lawan added, “But Nigerians, regardless of our status, must respect our armed forces. I have worked closely with them. They are doing a very good job. We need to give them a pat on the back and continue to support them.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Lawan’s remarks come in the wake of a heated confrontation between FCT Minister, Wike and a naval officer, A.M Yerima, over a disputed piece of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
A video widely circulated online showed Wike exchanging words with armed naval personnel who were guarding a property allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
FCT officials had reportedly moved to stop an unauthorised development when soldiers blocked them from gaining access. The minister, upon arrival, accused the officers of impunity and obstructing lawful enforcement.
Wike’s Response To Backlash
Responding to the backlash generated by the incident, Wike defended his actions, saying he intervened because senior FCTA officials were assaulted while carrying out their lawful duties.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.
He warned against using security personnel for personal interests, stressing that no Nigerian was above the law.
“You have no document. We cannot continue to act in impunity. You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those they can intimidate,” he told the officer.
Wike said the FCT had no records indicating that the land in question was legally allocated.
“It’s really unfortunate. I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position, seeing that he has a problem, cannot approach my office… I’m not one of those kinds of people who will succumb to blackmail,” he added.
Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said the Defence Headquarters was reviewing the matter to prevent similar clashes between civilian authorities and military personnel.
He assured that any officer found to be on “lawful duty” would be protected, while also stressing the need for clarity and mutual respect in engagements between security agencies and government officials.
The Defence Ministry is expected to release further directives after concluding its review.
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