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Nigerian Armed Forces Remain the Cornerstone of the Nation’s Stability and Sovereignty — Societal Concerns Calls for Respect and Protection of Security Personnel
Societal Concerns Organization has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting respect, harmony, and mutual understanding between civilians and the security institutions safeguarding Nigeria’s unity.
This statement comes in response to the recent viral videos showing an altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and senior naval officers over a land ownership dispute in Abuja — an incident that has sparked widespread public debate about power abuse and civil-military relations.
The organization, under the leadership of Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, strongly emphasizes that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain the cornerstone of our nation’s stability and sovereignty, and therefore must be treated with the highest level of respect and decorum.
In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent statement expressing displeasure over the confrontation, Societal Concerns applauds the President’s reaffirmation of the Armed Forces’ constitutional role and his stance that “our military men and women put their lives on the line daily to defend the sovereignty of this country. They deserve respect, not conflict.”
The President’s words, according to reports, came after growing public outrage over the incident, which involved Lieutenant A.M. Yerima and naval officers performing official duties. Political observers have since described President Tinubu’s firm backing of the military as a necessary step toward preserving discipline and civil-military harmony in the country.
Societal Concerns believes this development is a call to action to protect our protectors and to play down every form of intimidation against men and women in uniform who dedicate their lives to national service.
Through its ongoing advocacy initiative, “The Campaign Against Killing of Security Personnel in Nigeria (2.0)”, Societal Concerns Organization continues to drive public awareness on the dangers of hostility, violence, and disrespect toward the security community. The campaign — themed “Protect Our Protectors, Preserving Our Unity” — has mobilized civic groups, media partners, and public institutions to promote empathy, dialogue, and cooperation between citizens and the forces that safeguard them.
Ambassador Oluwayomi reiterated that, “The safety and dignity of our security personnel are non-negotiable. No society can thrive when those who defend it are subjected to humiliation or harm. We must rebuild trust and ensure that political authority is exercised with restraint, guided by respect for the institutions that uphold our peace and sovereignty.”
Societal Concerns Organization therefore calls on all leaders, civil authorities, and citizens to uphold civility, discipline, and cooperation with the Nigerian Armed Forces, as these values remain essential to our collective peace and national progress.
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Signed:
Amb. Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi
Convener, Campaign Against Killing of Security Personnel in Nigeria (2.0)
Founder, Societal Concerns Organization
