Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd) has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his altercation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a naval officer who intervened during a land-related demolition exercise in Abuja.
Speaking during an interview on AIT Live News from 4:11, Irabor condemned Wike’s aggressive language, emphasizing that officers in uniform represent the authority of the Nigerian state and must be treated with respect. He stressed that discipline and decorum are fundamental to the military, and even generals cannot physically assault or demean their subordinates.
“Me as a general, I can’t slap my soldier, I can’t touch him, I can’t use my hand on him. If I do that, either I apologize to him or I will be disciplined,” Irabor said. He highlighted that the military’s strict code of conduct ensures accountability and mutual respect, and civilians in positions of power must observe similar restraint when interacting with uniformed officers.
Irabor explained that any verbal or physical attack on an officer is not just a personal affront but also disrespects the Commander-in-Chief and the authority vested in the officer’s position.
The comments follow a widely publicized incident in which Minister Wike reportedly called Lieutenant Yerima a “small boy” and a “fool” during a heated exchange in Abuja. While the confrontation drew attention on social media, Irabor urged leaders to avoid public humiliation of military personnel, insisting that respect for state institutions must always be upheld. View, More,
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