THE Nigerian military has said that the media have a crucial role to play in promoting peace and stability of the country and has sought more collaboration in addressing security challenges, especially the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to Abuja Bureau of Nigerian Tribune, reaffirmed the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to maintain peace and defend the territorial integrity of the country.
Akpor was accompanied on the visit by
Commodore Muhammed Wabi, Deputy Director, Defence Information, Group Captain Emmanuel Iheoma, Deputy Director Defence Information and Major Sani Uba, Assistant Director Defence Information.
He particularly commended Nigerian Tribune for the support overtime, saying this informed the choice of the Newspaper as one of the media houses being visited to seek for more partnership in securing the country.
According to him, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the military to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and to also keep the borders safe from violation among other responsibilities, adding that the Armed Forces have been carrying out these roles very effectively.
Akpor said: “Section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the military to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and to also keep our borders safe from violation among other responsibilities, which we have been carrying out very effectively in the North East, North West and North Central, South East, South-South, securing our oil infrastructures and also in the South West.
“All that you know too well, so, we have come to continue to seek your support in ensuring that you nurture our image and also to project our activities for us to continue to have the public support that is necessary for us to do better in securing Nigeria. That you have been doing so well and here is to continue to seek your continued support in that regard”.
He said he felt it was necessary to come physically to present himself to the leadership of Nigerian Tribune here in Abuja Office, as “stakeholders in ensuring a peaceful nation where we could all live our dreams”.
He noted the critical role of the media in governing the mind and heart of people, hence the need for synergistic efforts, saying “while I guard the physical streets, you guard the soul of the country and together, we can create peaceful space for all of us to live our dreams”.
In his response, the Deputy Bureau Chief, Mr Segun Olatunji, who received the delegation on behalf of the Abuja Bureau Chief, Dr Leon Usigbe, commended the new Director of Defence Information for taking time to visit Nigerian Tribune office to seek for more support in coverage reportage of your activities.
He appreciated the efforts security forces are making in the war against insurgents, saying the military has recorded successes, especially in the North-Eastern part of the country.
He assured the delegation that Nigerian Tribune would continue to give its necessary support to the military and other security agencies in ensuring that Nigeria remains one and peaceful for meaning development to take place.
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