The minister of information and culture Lai Mohammed on Friday, November, 27 advised journalists on how to get information from government officials.
Lai Mohammed
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of various media professional houses in Abuja, Mohammed said: “If you run into any roadblock while seeking information from any government establishment, kindly notify us.”
He called on the media to motivate support among Nigerians on the fight against terrorism in the country.
”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,”Mohammed said.
He said the media must be focused on reporting the fact that the military has turned the tide against Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast and making way for most internally displaced persons to return to their homes.
The minister said the media must cease from sitting on the fence over issues of national unity.
”Apart from the challenge of terrorism, there is also the issue of national unity. 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. The media must not remain on the fence when the issue of our national unity is involved. 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,’’ he said.
He said the present administration would also work with the media in the interest of Nigeria adding that under his watch, the media will get timely and accurate information on any issue.
”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. In this regard, you will hear more from us in the days to come,” he said.
Lai Mohammed
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