The Senate, yesterday, passed for second reading a landmark bill to repeal and re-enact the Armed Forces Act, establishing a modern, constitutionally compliant and operationally responsive legal framework for the country’s military.
Sponsored by Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 791) seeks to align military governance with democratic oversight, judicial accountability, and international standards.
Following his scuffle with a naval officer on Tuesday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared readiness to continue taking tough, often unpopular decisions in defence of principle, even if those choices cost him his job.
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, cautioned Nigerians, regardless of social or political status, against disrespecting the armed forces, emphasising that the men and women in uniform deserve the nation’s highest regard and support for their sacrifices in ensuring peace and security.
Speaking during plenary yesterday, Yar’Adua noted that the Armed Forces Act, rooted in 1960s military decrees and last consolidated in 2004, remained largely unchanged despite evolving constitutional, operational and security realities. ‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain the cornerstone of our sovereignty and national security’, he said. ‘Yet our military law has not kept pace with modern defence requirements’.
The legislation will allow court review of military convictions, modernise disciplinary procedures, replace outdated fines with salary-based sanctions, and extend fair-hearing rights to non-commissioned officers.
A key provision of the bill explicitly prohibits the enlistment of persons below 18 years, ensuring compliance with the Child Rights Act and international humanitarian standards.
Supporters hailed the reforms as long overdue.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the session, confirmed that the bill was unanimously approved for second reading and referred to the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force and Navy, with a directive to report back within four weeks.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Wike vowed to ‘keep doing right’ and warned that he would not be cowed by criticism, selective enforcement or intimidation.
‘I will continue to step on toes’, he said, adding that his actions were ‘rooted in principle’.
Wike argued that leadership demands the courage to act against wrongdoing, even when friends, political allies or powerful individuals object. ‘If you are capable, then contribute positively. Write something meaningful’, he stated.
The minister lamented what he described as selective punishment and knee-jerk reactions that precede proper investigation. ‘People should stop bringing emotions into matters of governance. Nobody checked the facts. Nobody reads. Go and find out the situation before you seek publicity’, he said, urging journalists and the public to verify claims before rushing to judgment.
Lawan issued the warning yesterday while speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
His remarks followed the altercation between Wike and Lt A.M. Yerima, over a land dispute in Abuja.
‘Let me commend our Armed Forces and other security agencies for doing so much to protect our lives and property’, Lawan said. ‘I headed the Senate Committee on Defence and held that position in 2015. I know how committed our Armed Forces are; they give their lives for the sake of this country. They deserve our respect and support at all times. Nigerians, regardless of our status, must respect our Armed Forces. I have worked closely with them, and I know they are doing a very good job. We need to give them a pat on the back and continue to support them’.
He noted that President Tinubu administration significantly increased funding for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that such investments must yield measurable improvements in national security.
