A soldier has strongly criticized Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for ordering the arrest of his fellow soldier and three other motorcyclists who were driving against traffic on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
In a viral video, the unidentified soldier defended his colleague, expressing disapproval of the governor’s actions and choice of words.
Sanwo-Olu had on Tuesday ordered the arrest of a soldier and three motorcyclists for traffic violations.
In the video, the governor was seen instructing his men to detain one of the motorcyclists who claimed to be a soldier.
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The soldier in the video argued that the governor had no authority to arrest a soldier, especially in front of his barracks.
He emphasized that soldiers are under the jurisdiction of their senior officers, not state governors.
The soldier expressed disbelief that the governor referred to a soldier as ‘useless’ in the presence of civilians and criticized the handling of the situation.
The soldier highlighted the importance of military discipline and explained that soldiers are given a short time to compose themselves in challenging situations.
He asserted that, especially near their barracks, no one outside the military hierarchy has the authority to arrest a soldier.
He questioned the governor’s actions, suggesting that they were possible because Lagos has been relatively peaceful.
The soldier argued that such an incident would not occur in the North East, where he is stationed, and criticized the governor for acting in a manner unbecoming of his position.
The soldier expressed concern about the safety of civilians if they were pursued by the governor’s convoy and stressed that the governor should respect his office.
He asserted that if directed by military police or a senior officer, he would comply, but the governor lacked the authority to order his arrest.
The soldier concluded by stating that the governor’s actions were unbecoming and that he would not obey a directive from the governor to go to the guard room.
He asserted that the governor did not have the power to lock up a soldier and challenged the appropriateness of the governor’s behavior.
This incident was earlier reported by Saving Point Media, which noted that lawless motorcycle riders, upon seeing the governor’s convoy, abandoned their motorcycles and passengers along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
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