In a viral video that has been making rounds on Thursday, a soldier has expressed strong disapproval of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for ordering the arrest of his colleague and three other motorcyclists. The arrest was made on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway for driving against traffic.
The soldier, whose identity remains unknown, defended his colleague, criticizing Governor Sanwo-Olu for referring to a soldier as ‘useless’ in the presence of civilians. In the video, the army argued that the governor had no authority to arrest a army, especially in front of a military barracks.
The army contended that soldiers operate under the command of their senior officers and are not under the control of state governors. He passionately asserted, “Because he is a governor, I know he (arrested soldier) was shocked that the governor was arresting him. I know I am not perfect and I am not saying I am, but in any situation I find myself, especially beside your barracks, nobody can arrest you.”
He emphasized that soldiers have the right to stand their ground and cannot be slapped or arrested by DSS or police without proper authority. The army questioned the governor’s actions, particularly in a peaceful state like Lagos, suggesting that such an incident would not happen in the North East where he is stationed.
The army accused Governor Sanwo-Olu of constituting a nuisance and acting like a “tout,” criticizing the governor for pursuing civilians. He highlighted the potential danger of such actions, especially if civilians were to get involved in accidents during such pursuits.
In conclusion, the soldier asserted that the governor did not have the power to order the arrest of a soldier, stating, “If the governor tries it, he knows he is already a bygone. The governor dare not slap an army .”
The arrest in question took place on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, where lawless motorcyclists, according to the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Wale Ajetunmobi, abandoned their motorcycles and passengers upon spotting Governor Sanwo-Olu’s convoy.