Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has urged the media to support the war against terrorism because the unity of the country is currently at stake.
During a maiden Interactive Session with media professionals on Friday in Abuja, Lai Mohammed said “The war against terrorism is not a war for the military alone but for all Nigerians.
“The media must reflect this in their reporting and galvanize the people to know that it is not just a battle against a few insurgents but a war for the very survival of our nation.
“It is important for the media to report the fact that the military has turned the tide against the insurgents, degrading their ability to carry out spectacular attacks and retaking captured territories
“This has thus paved the way for displaced persons to gradually return to their homes, for schools that have been destroyed to be rebuilt and for pupils who could not go to school to do so.
“If anything, we have taken our unity for granted and have not made a conscious and concerted effort to constantly service and strengthen it.
“Unfortunately, what started as a crack is now widening into a gorge.
“They must carry out their duties in such a way that will unite, rather than divide our people.
“Our unity is fragile, and the fragility comes into the open at a time of economic downturn as we have now.
“We cannot afford to be neutral on the issue of national unity, ’’ the minister said.
Mohammed assured that the government would work with the media in the interest of the country.
“For example, we are working on forging a partnership between the government and the media that will see military and intelligence chiefs interfacing with you to give you first hand information on the progress of the war against terrorism.
“We believe it is important to carry the media along, because if you are well informed about the war, you will be in a better position to inform Nigerians about it.”
He added that ”if you run into any roadblock while seeking information from any government establishment, kindly notify us.”