By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohhamed Idris has called for patriotism, nationalism and support to the Armed Forces to move the country in the right direction.
Idris made the called when the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa paid him a courtesy visit on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, it is a truism that insurgency in Nigeria has moved away from ideology to economic benefits.
“And when we have issues of insurgency and banditry; it gives the country a bad image, and if not nipped in the bud, then there will be a problem.
“The concept of nationalism and patriotism must be brought back, because, we have seen the erosion of our national values.
“However, it is important for people to know what the Armed Forces are doing. They toil day and night, and even pay the supreme price for us and the country to be safe.
“What happened at Tudun Biri in Kaduna State was unfortunate; and President Bola Tinubu had apologised. We appeal that, next time, due diligence should be done.
“But however, we want to thank the Armed Forces for all that they have done and still doing to keep us safe,’’ Idris said.
The Minister further explained that his Ministry has structures such as National Orientation Agency (NOA), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and many others that the Armed Forces could explore to deliver on its mandate.
He also suggested the need to incorporate some journalists from the media into the activities of the armed forces, giving example with Abdulrahaman of NTA and the current DG of VON, Jibrin Baba Ndache some years ago.
On rebranding the Armed Forces, the Minister suggested that the Armed Forces should liaise with NOA, adding that it is the custodian of national symbols and has the capacity in rebranding.
On the issue of unpatriotic attitude by Mr Simon Ekpa, Idris said the Federal Government is not unmindful of his attitude and it is seriously looking at the matter.
“We want to state that the administration of Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring absolute freedom of speech, press and giving true, accurate and timely information to the citizens.
“Freedom of speech and press does not mean one should use it to run the country down. We want to have a freer press in this country, because Tinubu is a true democrat,’’ he said.
Speaking earlier, Musa said the armed forces would like to synergise and build cooperation with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
According to the CDS, the armed forces uses kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in delivering its mandate to the country.
“We need to collaborate to have a better understanding of what we do. We want to see how we can partner, because, in the line of what we are doing, information is the missing link.
“During my time at the war against insurgency, the leaders of the insurgents usually inform their members that if they surrender to the Nigerian Military, they will be killed.
“But when 11 of them surrendered and nothing happend, others came out too, and at the end, we had over 70,000 of them surrendering.
“ Every Nigerian is a stakeholder in security matters. Therefore, it is critical to synergise. The armed forces are ready to work closely with you,’’ he said.
Musa also reiterated the fact that patriotism should be brought back into the Nigerian system, adding that during his youthful days, Nigerians always look forward to celebrating Independence Day.
“But today, people always look forward to celebrating their own birthdays. That is the missing link. We have been to other countries and saw patriotism and nationalism at play.
“Also, unpatriotic people like Simon Ekpa should not be given the space to continue. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation should take up the duty and help us,’’ Musa stressed. (NAN)