The Chairman
of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA),
Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar has called on the media organisations to
partner with security agencies towards a better-informed society.
General Rabe
who is the Director Defence Information, made the appeal at the relaunch of FOSSRA
which was established in response to the need for harmonization and effective
dissemination of defence and security information to the public.
Rabe admitted
that in the past there were cacophony of conflicting voices and crisis reports
by different security and response agencies in times of crisis prior to the formation
of FOSSRA.
He said: “There
was weak coordination and non-existent harmonization of information released to
media by the agencies. It was more like unhealthy competition and bitter rivalry
as agencies that are working ought to be working towards our national security
goals were striving to outwit each other ion disseminating information.
“We
specifically invited the media for their cooperation as we re-launch the forum
and rekindle the spirit of partnership between the security sector and the
media.
“This
paradigm shift is very important now more than ever before. We want to once again seek your hands of
fellowship and to bridge the communication gap between the security agencies
and the media which hitherto may not have been very smooth.
“We would
like to also request that in times like this, media reports of security matters
should foster national security, harmonious coexistence and should be in the
interest of national unity. The media should help educate the citizenry against
hate and divisive messages and comments that are prevalent especially in the social
media domain.
“There is
nothing much we in the defence/security sector can achieve without your valued
cooperation. That is why we carry you along in all we do. Today, marks the beginning
of a transparent and mutual partnership that would propel our national
aspiration as a united country.”
On the status
of the forum, Brigadier General Rabe said that “FOSSRA is the only recognized
body of spokespersons of security and response agencies in Nigeria. No other
such platform is allowed to operate anywhere in the country. This is duly
communicated to and approved by the National Security Adviser and the Chief of
Defence Staff.
“FOSSRA has
the capacity to serve both strategic and operational purposes considering the
critical role of information management in the success or otherwise of any
security or intelligence operations. We believe that FOSSRA fits into the
strategic communication inter-agency policy and coordination to ensure
synchronization and implementation of strategic communication plans which is
coming up soon.
Also,
speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary Centre for Crisis Communication
(CCC), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (Rtd) pointed out that the establishment of the
FOSSRA and its partners has graciously reduced the incidence of conflicting
information management and sharing during crisis situation.
While commending
the relaunch of the forum, Anas said: “The Centre for Crisis Communication is a
brain-child of FOSSRA and the Secretariat of the forum which 17 agencies from
military, security, intelligence and response agencies as members. The relaunch
of the forum would encourage healthy interactions and exchange of ideas among
the agencies for national stability and development. It is my candid prayer that this year shall
usher in for us even a more robust relationship.”
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