Military Uniform Symbolises State Authority, Retired General Warns After Wike-Officer Clash
Retired General Lucky Irabor has weighed into the public dispute involving Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a naval officer, insisting that the uniforms of the Nigerian Armed Forces represent more than the individual wearer, they embody the authority of the state.
Speaking at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja, Gen. Irabor said that the military uniform “symbolises the power, dignity, and sovereignty of the nation.” He emphasised: “The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state.”
He added that disrespecting someone in uniform is tantamount to disrespecting the state itself.
The former Chief of Defence Staff, who served from 2021 to 2023, criticised aspects of the public commentary surrounding the incident involving Wike and the officer, describing public reactions as “largely misguided.” He argued that many commentators overlooked the central matter: respect for institutions.
Irabor reminded his audience that the military is bound by strict codes of conduct, and even senior officers do not have carte blanche to mistreat subordinates. “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,” he stated.
While acknowledging that Wike, in his capacity as FCT minister, holds authority over land matters, Gen. Irabor said the broader issue at stake was one of civic education and public understanding of national institutions. He expressed concern that respect for trained uniformed officers, and what they symbolise, is diminishing. “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 appealed to the media to adopt a constructive role in national discourse, warning that irresponsible coverage could undermine respect for 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.
Finally, Gen. Irabor cautioned that persistent disregard for the symbols of state authority risks sliding Nigeria toward disorder. “We must not turn our country into a jungle where everyone takes the law into their own hands. Respect the uniform. Respect what it stands for,” he insisted.