We have defeated Boko Haram, FG boasts

 

The Federal Government, again on Wednesday, said the Nigerian military has defeated the violent Islamic insurgent group, Boko Haram.

This was stated in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, at a two-day seminar with the theme: “Media Engagement in Crises Situation for Military, Security and Response Agencies.”

Danbazzau, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Willy Bassey, said the Federal Government was now focused on rebuilding and relocating the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, to their respective communities and homes.

“The war in the North-East with the Boko Haram has been fought and won – as the Boko Haram elements have been routed, degraded and are being decimated.

“The task before us is winning the peace, as the victims are gradually returning to their homes, while government is rebuilding, reconciling, and rehabilitating the victims.

“We are also in the phase where crisis management and communication become indispensable to build confidence and consensus among the people,” he said.

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According to the minister, government was now focused on partnering with the media to ensure that information was properly managed, adding that the country was currently faced with security challenges in form of cattle rustling, pastoralists and farmers clashes, militancy, kidnapping, cultism and secession agitations which required effective media management.

He opined that if information is not properly managed by the media, it could create a gulf between the people and government which would lead to undesirable outcomes and possibly engender crises.

“The media as a watchdog of the society is duty-bound to report the truth and balanced report while avoiding sensationalism, half-truth, embellishment, misinformation, falsehood and blackmail.

“Journalists should ensure internal cohesion, unity and harmony rather than fanning disunity, ethnic and religious disharmony, panic and fear as is being experienced in the Social Media,” he said.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews

 

 

 

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