A women’s coalition, Mothers for United Nigeria (MUN), has cautioned the media to be wary of sensational reportage against the military in times of national crisis, urging the media to always uphold national interest.
MUN stated this in reaction to an online report quoting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, as saying that the Nigerian Armed Forces have not been able to holistically tackle the perennial issue of banditry and terrorism in the country, because personnel are not trained for such unconventional battle.
MUN in a press statement Sunday signed by its Publicity Secretary Hajia Salamatu Adebayo, while commending the press for its support, said such a report is capable of inciting the government and people against the military.
The group said the Nigerian military has in the past come out victorious against unconventional battles, and will continue to do so.
The statement in part reads: “We are not here to speak for the Nigerian military, but to solicit for understanding for all to come behind the military at this particular time in the history of our country.
“We counsel some sections of the press who are in a hurry to do their report, to verify such before going public.
“Our press should not serve as agents of those who are feeding on the current security challenges.
“As mothers, we have suffered loss of husbands and children, especially military personnel who are daily paying the ultimate sacrifice for the unity and peace of our country. We must continue to support and not vilify them.”
