Ede Ogaba Ede
Eminent Nigerian Publisher Chief Nduka Obiagbena has praised the Nigerian military for standing up for the defense of democracy in the country just as he called on them to stop arresting peaceful protesters or protecting election riggers.
Obiagbena who is the founding chairman and Editor In Chief of THISDAY Media Group and the Chief Executive Officer of Arise News Channel said that only free and fair elections which brings about good governance and accountability can stop the people from protesting.
He spoke at the 2024 third quarter of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media chat held in Makurdi, Benue State, where he was the Special Guest of Honour.
His words, “Peace is very necessary for development. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives every day to give us peace. We should not take it for granted. We should work with them. But the military needs to do more.
“The military should stop getting involved in arresting protesters, they should arrest kidnappers. They should stop protecting election riggers so as to entrench good governance that will stop protests. They should arrest kidnappers and then face the wrath of the law. Stop getting involved in protecting election riggers. If you conduct proper elections, your government will be accountable.”
The Duke of Owan Kingdom who called for increased civil-military engagements and the involvement of the media in fostering national development, appealed to the government to adequately fund the Armed Forces and invest in technology-driven security.
“We have national satellite companies and other agencies who have been working and if we integrate our national satellite capability with our war in the North East and the North West, we can monitor bandits in Kaduna and other places.
“If I say 25 percent of our national budget should go to the armed forces, then 25 percent should also go to education, especially in the North so that we can get our people educated”
He called on the government to embark on poverty alleviation, support the vulnerable in the society, lower taxes, and allow the people to have money in their hands to enable them to survive the harsh economic environment.
“Furthermore, another 25 percent should also go for health and poverty alleviation. We have to support vulnerable people in our society. Then we have to reduce taxes and allow people’s money in their hands so that they can grow their food, their transport and be able to sort themselves out”.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, who was represented by the Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Hilary Nzan described the media as a vital link between the military and the public, which he said has ensured accountability and fostered mutual trust.
Though he said challenges persist despite the significant progress made in improving communication and media engagement, he enthused that with constant interaction with the media, those challenges will be addressed.
“Therefore, to foster effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, it is vital to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect.
“We must establish regular communication channels to facilitate transparent reporting on military operations and timely dissemination of information, countering disinformation and misinformation while building public confidence.”
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja said the Army was fostering collaborative partnerships across Nigeria, resulting in the present successes being recorded across multiple theatres in the country.
He attributed the continuing neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders and the rescue of many abducted Nigerians to the cooperation being enjoyed by the military.
Lending his voice, the Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Matthew Abo called for sustained collaboration between the media and the military to enhance unity, peace, and development of the country.
