FORMER President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has called on Nigerians to show utmost respect for the country’s armed forces, following the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking to journalists after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Lawan commended the armed forces for their sacrifices and commitment to national security.
Lawan said Nigerians, regardless of social or political status, must recognise the selflessness of the military.
“Let me commend our armed forces and other security agencies for doing so much for us, to protect our lives and property.
“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,” he said.
He praised the military’s dedication and urged citizens to appreciate their efforts in safeguarding national unity.
“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,” Lawan said.
Lawan’s remarks come amid controversy surrounding a confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
The altercation, which was captured on video, quickly went viral, showing Wike exchanging words with military personnel guarding a site allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
FCT officials had reportedly gone to halt an unauthorised construction when soldiers blocked them from entering the site. The minister, who later arrived, accused the officers of impunity and misuse of power.
Addressing the incident on Thursday, Wike said he intervened because government officials were assaulted during a lawful operation. He described the deployment of soldiers by a retired officer as “an abuse of authority.”
“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.
Wike stressed that no one was above the law, warning against the use of security personnel for personal gain.
“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.
The minister insisted that the FCT Administration had no record of legal allocation for the disputed land.
“It’s really unfortunate. I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position, seeing that he has a problem, cannot approach my office. Simply because he is a military man, they could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I’m not one of those kinds of people who will succumb to blackmail,” Wike said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reacted the incident, stating that any officer on “lawful duty” would be protected.
The minister said the Defence Headquarters was looking into the matter to ensure proper handling and prevent future misunderstandings between civilian and military authorities.