The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has advised journalists in the country, especially those reporting the activities of the troops deployed to fight insurgents nationwide to be factual, balanced and conflict-sensitive in their reporting so as not to weaken the morale of the troops.
General Oluyede spoke on Tuesday in a Goodwill Message at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Council Press Week Lecture, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to safeguarding lives and property of all citizens, in line with their constitutional mandate.
Noting that in pursuit of this duty across various theatres of operations, they have come to recognize more than ever, that the Press is a partner to the military in the collective efforts to build safe, stable and prosperous Nigeria, adding that the partnership was not one of convenience, but of necessity.
He said while the military secures the physical space, the media shapes the information space, explaining that the narrative they project influence public perception, troop morale and even the strategic outcomes of operations.
Represented by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Mohammed Uba, the Defence Chief declared that when reporting is factual, balanced and conflict-sensitive, it denies oxygen to terrorism, banditry and disinformation. “It builds trust between the armed forces and the people we serve,” he added.
According to him, the media remains a critical pillar of the nation’s democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment and accountability.
Stressing that responsible journalism was necessary for national security.
He stated that in this present digital age where a single tweet can travel faster than a battalion, the ethical responsibility of the press has never been greater.
He therefore urged the media to continue to verify before publishing, priorities national interest without sacrificing truth, and to give voice to the sacrifices of the troops who stand in harm’s way so that others may live in peace.
