The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has
announced that his ministry will soon launch a massive national
campaign in support of the military, especially in their fight against
insurgency and insecurity“We are planning to launch a national campaign to rally support for
the military. We believe the men and women who are risking all to keep
us safe deserve the support and prayers of all Nigerians, not
vilification, insults and other acts that are capable of dampening
their morale,” the Minister said at a press briefing in Abuja on
Tuesday.He said the campaign, which will be similar to the previous ones
launched by the ministry on burning issues such as fake news and hate
speech, insurgency and the fight against corruption, will mobilise
Nigerians irrespective of their political leanings to show support for
the military.“I think it is high time that everybody, irrespective of political
affiliation, joined in supporting the war (against insurgency). It’s
not unusual, as a matter of fact it’s usually the practice, that when
a country is faced with this kind of challenge, people will sink their
differences and work together. So, very soon, you will expect to hear
from us on this campaign to support the military in the fight against
not just insurgency but in the fight against insecurity,” Alhaji
Mohammed said.He said the national campaign, which will be multi-faceted, will
include the production and airing of special jingles on radio and
television, social media intervention and advocacy.The Minister decried how some Nigerians, particularly opposition
politicians, have made it their past-time to wage a campaign of
disinformation against the military on the social media, saying such
unpatriotic acts are discouraging and demoralizing the men and women
in uniform.“I think the biggest opposition probably today that the military has
is probably not Boko Haram, it’s probably the Social Media because
it’s so uncontrolled. Today, video clips are doctored and clips of
happenings in other lands are now reported and sent out as if they are
happening in Nigeria. Unfortunately, there is no one to hold
responsible. This is very discouraging and it demoralizes the
military.“That brings me to the bigger issue of overall support for our
military. Recent developments are disturbing. The activities of a
section of the media and some opposition political parties are
demoralizing the military and strengthening the insurgents. Without
seeking or waiting for official clarification, outrageous casualty
figures are prominently reported. Without consideration for national
security, military plans are recklessly revealed. Not even in the
United States, the bastion of democracy, does this happen,” he said.Alhaji Mohammed said even though the government would neither censor
nor gag the media, journalists must strike a balance between the
constitutionally-guaranteed freedom to receive and impart information
and national security.