The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has announced that the soldier who insulted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on social media has been arrested.
Lagbaja disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Enugu state.
Recall that a young soldier, allegedly riding a motorcycle against traffic regulations in Lagos, was apprehended by security personnel attached to the governor’s convoy.
The video triggered angry reactions from some military personnel on social media.
In a video shared on X by one of Sanwo-Olu’s media aides, Wale Ajetunmobi, the COAS said all other videos where insults were hurled at the governor were not from Army personnel.
Expressing deep concern and disapproval, Lt. General Lagbaja emphasized the military’s commitment to upholding discipline and respect for civil authorities.
He stressed that such behaviour contradicts the values and professionalism expected of the Nigerian Army.
The Chief of Army Staff assured that the soldier involved in the incident had been apprehended and would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with military regulations.
He reiterated the military’s stance on maintaining cordial and respectful relations with civilian authorities.
His words: “I want to say that the soldier that was apprehended by the governor of Lagos state for plying one way does not represent the Nigerian Army.
“Because, in every respect, he contravened what we stand for, which is discipline as an Army, and it contravenes the constitution and the laws of Lagos. So, we frown at that as an Army.
“But for what you alleged that soldiers have gone to social media casting aspersions on the person and the office of the governor, it is only one soldier that has done that. The Army has investigated, that soldier has been apprehended and we are investigating.
“For every comical act that you have seen on social media, they are not personnel of the Nigerian Army.”
Watch the video below:
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja condemns verbal attacks on Governor Sanwo-Olu, following the arrest of a soldier riding Okada on against the traffic. The young soldier who made insulting comments on the Governor has been apprehended, COAS said. pic.twitter.com/zxOLVstOjU
— AJE (@Riddwane) January 9, 2024
