MAIDUGURI – The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has enjoined media executives and editors to trust the military more as they carry out the onerous task of protecting the territorial integrity of the country in the face of terrorism.
Buratai made the passionate appeal on Saturday during an interaction/dinner with media executives and editors in Maiduguri, Borno state.
He said the Nigerian Army under his watch recognises the crucial role of the media in shaping national discourse on security and policy issues.
According to him, the media as watchdog of the society has been protecting public interest and strengthening democracy, stressing the need to balance it with national interest.
“Nigerian Army deserves total support of the media. You play a vital role in security and national development.
“We are therefore, appealing to you to be more understanding on national issue. We want you to trust us more as we continue to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.
“The war against terrorism should be a collective responsibility for all, and not just a war between the army and the terrorist group.
” It is a national war, we should enlighten the people to understand and support us, the army is not perfect,” Buratai said.
The Army Chief noted that apart from combating terrorism and insurgency, officers and soldiers are also involved in different operations across the country.
He therefore, canvassed improved funding for army to enable it carry out its constitutional duties more efficiently and effectively.
Lt Gen Buratai seized the opportunity to again, react to recent report by the Amnesty International, which accused the Nigerian military of human rights abuses in the north-east.
He said the allegations of human rights abuses were unfortunate and not done in good faith, insisting that “Nobody loves Nigeria more than we do”.
The Chief therefore, assured that there are internal mechanism to contain human rights abuses as well as strengthening civil-military relations.
He enjoined the media to join the army to protect Nigeria as one indivisible entity, saying “the media should partner with army to ensure that enemies of Nigeria are put at bay.”
