IT IS AN ABOMINATION
The
Defence Headquarters wishes to express its dismay over the newspaper’s
publication of Friday, 8 January in which 3000 re-engaged soldiers were
alleged to have embarked on hunger strike, simply for not been posted
back to their units.
The
story was false and not a true reflection of the situation among the
affected soldiers. To put the record straight, the soldiers are
enthusiastic and full of praises to the military authority that gave
them another chance to re-unite with the folk for better services to
their fatherland.
It
is worrisome that a reputable newspaper of national outlook would
source its story from unreliable social media without corroboration with
relevant authorities to ascertain the veracity of the news. It is more
worrisome when such unsubstantiated story borders on national
security.
This
practice negates the ethics of journalism and is grossly
unprofessional. Information that threatens national security should be
avoided and efforts should be intensified to confirm from highest
authority before going to press. Press should also avoid fuelling
tension, no matter the inherent personal gains, especially now that all
hands are on deck to unite all Nigerians against insecurity and
insurgency.
For avoidance of doubt, it is a
taboo for military personnel to embark on strike or to do any of such
things the newspaper reported. It has never happened and will not
happen because we are disciplined, professional and highly loyal to the
constituted authority. Such behaviour could only occur within
unprofessional soldiers, and certainly not Nigerian military.
The
Director Defence Information therefore restates that his door is widely
open, round the clock, for whosoever wishes to clarify issues that
border on defence and national security to do so in order to give
correct information to our citizens.
RABE ABUBAKAR
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
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