Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has delivered a strong rebuke against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concerning his recent public confrontation with a naval officer during a demolition enforcement exercise.
The Controversial Demolition Incident
The conflict erupted when Minister Wike accused former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), of involvement in land grabbing and subsequently ordered the Department of Development Control to demolish the disputed property. However, armed military personnel led by Naval Officer A.M. Yerima intervened to prevent the demolition from proceeding, sparking the tense exchange that has drawn national attention.
Speaking during the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), General Irabor did not mince words in his assessment of the minister's conduct. The retired military leader emphasized that Wike committed an offense against the state by making disparaging remarks toward a commissioned officer in uniform.
The Sanctity of Military Uniform
General Irabor passionately defended the significance of the military uniform, stating unequivocally that the uniform represents the authority of the state itself. He stressed that this principle holds true regardless of the individual wearing the uniform, describing it as even more critical when dealing with a commissioned officer who holds a presidential commission.
"They missed the point. And I am including the representation of a SAN which I think he missed the point. Now, what is it? The uniform is not about who is wearing it," Irabor declared during his conference address on November 13, 2025.
The former defence chief argued that such public displays of disrespect toward military officers could embolden other citizens to follow similar behavior, thereby undermining military authority and discipline nationwide.
Legal and Educational Implications
Irabor delved into the legal dimensions of the incident, referencing military law concepts of actus reus and mens rea - the physical act and the intention behind it. He countered arguments that focused solely on the minister's authority over land matters, insisting that the core issue remained the disrespect shown to state authority represented by the military uniform.
"What you have told the Commander-in-Chief and the authority that invested that position in him is that they are fools. So, it is wrong," Irabor stated emphatically.
The general expressed concern that Nigerians have lost the educational capacity to properly understand how to interact with military officers in uniform. He called upon media professionals to help restore this understanding by highlighting values of good citizenship and patriotism.
"So, this is what you, the media, must try to highlight. I know that over the years, we have lost our educational traction. See, these are things that primary school pupils, secondary school pupils ought to know," Irabor concluded, emphasizing the need for foundational civic education regarding military respect.
