JOURNALISTS URGED TO ENHANCE NATIONALISM WITH THEIR REPORTAGE

Media Professionals have been challenged to refrain from bias and sensationalism in reporting issues bothering on national security. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai gave the charge in a message to the opening of a two day Civil-Media- Military Relations Summit for South east zone taking place at the 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu.

Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Udoh, General Buratai said the summit was to sensitize the media and galvanize  support ahead of  commencement of the yuletide security exercise code named “Operation Atilogwu Udo One” meaning “Peaceful Dance”

He notes that the exercise which takes off on Friday, November one is aimed at fighting kidnapping and other acts of criminality during the Christmas celebration. General Buratai explained that the Army would embark on social services such as free medical outreach and sanitation exercises to deepen civilian military relations. He said law abiding citizens in the South east had nothing to worry about and vowed to complement the effort of other security agencies in maintaining peace.

Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Simon Ortuanya described the media and Civil Society Organisations as critical in the success of the “Operation Atilogwu Dance One” in the South east and solicited their understanding.  The summit with the theme “Galvanizing Citizens Support for Military Operations in Nigeria through the Media” is being attended by selected journalists from the five South east states.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU