Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan has urged
Nigerians to accord maximum respect to the nation’s armed forces following the
recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.
Lawan made the call on Thursday while speaking to
journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential
Villa, Abuja.
‘They Deserve Our Respect’ — Lawan
The former Senate President commended the military for
its sacrifices and unwavering commitment to national security.
“Let me commend our armed forces and other security
agencies for doing so much for us, to protect our lives and property,” he said.
“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.”
Lawan added that regardless of social, political, or
economic status, Nigerians must appreciate the military’s role in safeguarding
national unity.
“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.”
Background: Wike’s Clash With Naval
Officer
Lawan’s comments come in the wake of a widely
circulated video showing FCT Minister Wike in a heated argument with a naval
officer over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
The incident reportedly occurred when FCT officials
attempted to stop an unauthorised construction on land allegedly linked
to a former Chief of Naval Staff. Soldiers guarding the site prevented them
from entering, prompting Wike’s intervention.
The minister accused the officers of impunity,
intimidation, and unlawful deployment of military personnel for private
purposes.
Wike Defends His Action
Speaking on Thursday, Wike said he acted to protect
FCT officials who were allegedly assaulted during the operation.
“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.
He further condemned the use of military personnel for
personal interests:
“You have no document. We cannot continue to act in
impunity. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody… I am not one of
those they can intimidate.”
Wike also maintained that the disputed property had no
record of official allocation with the FCT Administration.
Defence Ministry Reacts
Reacting to the controversy, Minister of Defence Mohammed
Badaru said that any officer on “lawful duty” would be protected by
the military hierarchy.
He added that the Defence Headquarters was reviewing
the incident to prevent future friction between civilian authorities and the
armed forces.
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