Defence
Military, journalists partners in progress – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has described journalists and the Armed Forces of Nigeria as partners in progress in ensuring lasting peace and tranquility in the country.
Irabor said this at the opening of a 3-Day Conference on “Enhancing Journalists-Military Cooperation to Checking Insecurity in Nigeria” organised by Zacklair Investment Limited on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Cooperation, Rear Adm. Adeseye Ayobanjo, the CDS said that journalists had steadfastly executed the duties of informing, educating and enlightening the public.
Irabor said that the journalists update the public daily on occurrences and activities happening around them and beyond.
He added that Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended entrusted the military with the responsibility of defending the country from external aggression.
According to him, the military are also empowered constitutionally to maintain its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea or air.
In his words, “it can be deduced that journalists work on the minds and soul of the populace using their medium and platforms to condition the minds of people and set agenda to enable people make informed decisions on day-to-day issues.”
Irabor said the military on the other hand, had the responsibility of ensuring that the physical space was not threatened or violated by any injurious force or actions.
These actions, he said are perpetuated by enemies of the state that could lead to disruption of peace and orderliness in the society.
He said that journalists and members of the armed forces remained partners in progress that needed each other to actualise the mandates of their professional callings.
“For instance, notwithstanding military monopoly in the use of the weapons of violence, it cannot win the war in the hearts and minds of the people by kinetic means.
“On the other hand, in spite of journalists’ ability to use the power of the pen and media to articulate and disseminate opinions and issues, they need a safe space and conducive environment.
“This is facilitated by the military and other security agencies for human activities to thrive.
“This marriage of necessity between the military and journalists has come to stay because there cannot be any form of development in the absence of enduring peace and transquility.
“That said, the marriage is not altogether without conflict,” he added.
The CDS said the conference was timely in view of the myriads of contemporary security challenges bedeviling the country vis a vis the various military operations being conducted to stem the tide of criminalities in various parts of the country.
He said that patriotism would help both military and journalists to set aside professional differences and peculiarities to project the country favourably in the eyes of both national and global communities.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, said there was need for military and the media to work together to mitigate situations that would threaten peace and stability in the society.
Isiguzo said the media had the responsibility of setting an agenda in managing conflict like the strategies for reducing conflict, adding that every situation of conflict had typical cycle or pre-conflict stage, the conflict stage and post conflict stage.
According to him, the media, no doubt, still remains one of the most reliable institutions, especially in the context of conflict resolution and development.
He however, urged journalists to be conflict managers, long before conflicts and their attendant consequences manifest.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at age 56.
According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Army Chief passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
In his message of condolence, President Tinubu extended heartfelt sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his “significant contributions to the nation.”
The President wished the late General eternal peace and recognized his dedicated service during this difficult time for the military and the nation.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), clarifying that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.
Gusau emphasised that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had spoken with the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a few minutes prior to the statement, confirming that the Army Chief is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed, and all Service Chiefs are performing their duties in line with the Constitution,” Gusau said.
He also clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
Gusau urged individuals spreading false information to desist immediately, reassuring the public that “the COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties after his leave.”
He further called on media outlets to verify information with appropriate authorities before disseminating false reports.
In a strong warning, Gusau noted that any calls for a military takeover are treasonous under the Constitution, adding that “The Armed Forces remain loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy in Nigeria.”
He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country is a direct result of President Tinubu’s support for the military and the leadership of the Armed Forces.
Gusau concluded by stating that the military, alongside relevant security agencies, has been mandated to act against any individuals or groups advocating unconstitutional changes in governance.
“The CDS appreciates the continued support and prayers of Nigerians. Victory is assured,” he said.
Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The rumours, attributed to a post by one Jackson Ude, were labeled “Fake News” by the army on its official X handle on Sunday.
Speculations had spread that the Army Chief passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad, with no official confirmation from the military or the Defence Headquarters.
In response, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the COAS is on leave and attending to his health outside the country.
“There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu emphasised, adding that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is overseeing army affairs during Lagbaja’s absence.
He dismissed the rumours as mischievous, designed to cause panic and confusion.
“The Nigerian Army has a well-structured protocol for dealing with such situations, and this is not the first time a service chief has taken leave,” Nwachukwu explained.
The Army assured Nigerians that the service remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, while also expressing gratitude to those who have shown concern and prayed for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.
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