Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has issued a stern warning against acts of disrespect toward uniformed officers, describing such behaviour as “an affront on the authority of the Nigerian state.” Speaking on Thursday at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja, Irabor said the uniform of any member of the armed forces or security agency represents the sovereignty 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,” the retired general declared. “It symbolises the power, dignity, and sovereignty of the nation.”
His remarks come amid national outrage over the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima, during an enforcement operation in Abuja. Irabor, who served as Chief of Defence Staff between 2021 and 2023, noted that public discourse surrounding the incident has been “largely misguided,” stressing that many people have “missed the real issue.” “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.
He further explained that the military operates under a strict code of conduct, which does not permit even senior officers to abuse their subordinates. “Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier. If I do, I will face disciplinary action,” Irabor said. “There are laid-down mechanisms for addressing misconduct, and that is what distinguishes a state governed by law from a jungle.” Drawing from legal principles, the retired general referenced actus reus (the act) and mens rea (the intent), noting that while the FCT minister has legitimate authority over land administration, the central issue remains the respect owed to symbols of state authority as embodied in uniformed personnel.
He expressed concern over what he described as the “erosion of civic education and respect for institutions” in Nigeria, saying that younger generations have lost basic lessons about authority and discipline. “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.
General Irabor also charged the media to act responsibly, warning that careless or sensational reporting could further erode public confidence in 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 calm and due process, Irabor reminded the public that the rule of law provides avenues for redress whenever a soldier, police officer, or any uniformed official abuses authority. “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 former Defence Chief concluded with a warning that continued disregard for national symbols and institutions could plunge the country into chaos. “We must not turn our country into a jungle where everyone takes the law into their own hands,” Irabor cautioned. “Respect the uniform. Respect what it stands for.”