Fire for Fire’: Military Veterans Threaten to Boycott Armed Forces Day in Lagos over Soldier’s Arrest
Nigeria Info FMJan 8, 2024 8:52 AM

The Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) has issued Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State a five-day ultimatum to personally apologize to the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) for what they call "public misconduct."

This demand stems from the governor's order to arrest a soldier on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway last Tuesday and his subsequent remarks that were captured in a viral video.

In a statement on Sunday, CCV's spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, emphasized that failure to apologize will result in Lagos State missing the 2024 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

The statement partly read, “I already drafted a letter yesterday, that will be delivered to the Governor this week and copy all other relevant Government authorities.

“In that letter, a 5-day ultimatum is given to the Governor to leave his comfort Zone in Lagos and come down to Abuja and apologize to the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and by extension, the Armed Forces as a whole, for his ‘public misconduct’.”

Herberts stressed that regardless of the soldier's actions, the governor had no right to use derogatory language on him.

“We want to state clearly, the Governor has no right to use such derogatory word on a soldier, no matter what his offence is.

“The Governor has offended our constituency. Those who know him or close to him, should get the message across to him. An injury to one is injury to all of us.”


Highlighting the military's crucial role in democracy, Herberts declared plans to lead all veterans associations affiliated with CCV in a protest at Tafawa Balewa Square on January 14, 2024.

“Veterans are coming in their numbers. Let him bring out his thugs. It will be fire for fire!” he wrote.

https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/fire-for-fire-military-veterans-threaten-to-boycott-armed-forces-day-in-lagos-over-soldiers-arrest/

Lagos governors seems to be power drunk

For goodness sake how can a military personnel be arrested in front of his barracks if not by the order of the barracks top (military) hierarchy?

Soldiers in the barracks are answerable to the order of the Commander In Chief via GOC, Commandant, Commanding Officer

Even the Commander In Chief cannot call a soldier 'USELESS'

We want Nigeria to be great but at the same time we don't want to abide by rule and order.
We too dey play.

I said it here that Sanwo-olu went overboard by calling the soldier useless and some mumus on here were dragging their papa.

The so called soldier was not even on uniform....so anybody who just claims to be a soldier can be lawless as he likes. Even the chief of army staff can't condone such stupid impunity..
The Veterans are a disgrace if they truly condemned Sanwo Olu

TajuDEENaMao:
I said it here that Sanwo-olu went overboard by calling the soldier useless and some mumus on here were dragging their papa.

He was in his civilian clothes, not on active duty.

Nobody is useless.

That language was unguided and directed at his institution because it was made after he clearly identified himself with the institution.

He was even heard saying that they should "lock him up" and i wondered if that was the penalty for violating traffic laws in Lagos.

BloomingDale:


He was in his civilian clothes, not on active duty.

Being in mufti and not on duty now make a soldier useless abi?

Sawno was doing his duties but albeit the wrong way, I believe he was showing off for the camera that's why even after the guy has identified himself as a lieutenant colonel,he still went ahead to call him useless, or this could be another trick that the elites are using to distract us

This sanwo olu mumu, release this soldier now for peace to reign. Mumu governor sometime ago you weren't able to chase a common police officer out of Lagos who said to your face that he would not be leaving Lagos, now have the boldness to challenge a a soldier

I know the implications of driving one-way. I've lost two loved ones to this act on Ikorodu Road nd it'snot funny. No normal human should drive against traffic.

However, Sanwo-Olu's insult was distasteful. The soldier goofed but it is wrong for you to call him Foolish boy and ridicule him that way.

Fashola once arrested a senior military personnel for driving on BRT route but he did it with class and dignity.

Arrest them but talk without sounding haughty. What is wrong is wrong.

Dem dey play. They don't know the power of a Nigerian governor.

Currently serving soldiers and their commissioned officers (2nd Lt and up) will happily attend the remembrance day.

Hehehehe

The way some bitter souls carry this sanwo-olu matter for head all because GRV was defeated, you would think the arrested soldier is their brother.

Ladiesdoctor:
Lagos governors seems to be power drunk

For goodness sake how can a military personnel be arrested in front of his barracks if not by the order of the barracks top (military) hierarchy?

Soldiers in the barracks are answerable to the order of the Commander In Chief via GOC, Commandant, Commanding Officer

Even the Commander In Chief cannot call a soldier 'USELESS'

Thank God you clearly differentiated between "in front of the barracks" and "in the barracks".

In front of the barracks is public road. It is not within the jurisdiction of the military police.

Let them boycott it

They are not above the Law

It would reduce Traffic

Is04970:
We want Nigeria to be great but at the same time we don't want to abide by rule and order.
We too dey play.

You dey mind them. They are quick to shout in saner climes.

In those saner climes, a soldier won't even be found breaking traffic law as they uphold discipline, and if he does, he would be arrested by the police.

Raskimonojendor:
Dem dey play. They don't know the power of a Nigerian governor.

Currently serving soldiers and their commissioned officers (2nd Lt and up) will happily attend the remembrance day.

very dull tin

matify83:


Being in mufti and not on duty now make a soldier useless abi?

Was he not going one way? He is a useless soldier.

accordadoga25:
Hehehehe

The way some bitter souls carry this sanwo-olu matter for head all because GRV was defeated, you would think the arrested soldier is their brother.

Stop skipping your drugs; it's not good for your mental health.

Whether they boycott the remembrance day or not, that's their wahala. Do they even deserved to be remembered at all? Are they not the same soldiers that ruled Nigeria for many decades and plunged the nation into this current mess we're battling till today?

See this dumbass who begs for monthly pension threatening a governor.
It is funny how nonentities are the ones speaking up for the lawless soldier.

Not even the army rate this local champion.
https://dailytrust.com/how-i-was-assaulted-at-naval-headquarters-retired-commander-threatens-suit/

No gree for anybody this year

The arrest of a soldier by Governor Sanwo-Olu has clearly struck a nerve, especially given the derogatory remarks made. While I don't know all the details, it seems crucial for leaders to handle such situations with utmost respect and professionalism. An apology might go a long way in mending this rift. I’ve heard similar concerns from friends who've served, and they often emphasize how crucial respect and understanding are between civilians and the military. On another note, a buddy of mine who’s been dealing with military sexual trauma (MST) mentioned how invaluable MST lawyers can be in these cases, providing support and advocacy. It's a tough subject, but awareness and respect are key in all interactions.