September 26, (THEWILL) – Publisher of ThisDay newspaper, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, has advised the Nigerian Army Against their involvement in the arrest of protesters, but focus in search of kidnappers terrorising people across the country.
Chief Obaigbena spoke as Chairman of the occasion at the “Media and the Military: Allies in pursuit of National Security”, in Makurdi, Benue State, organised by Nigerian Army – Civil Military Cooperation.
The owner of Arise TV further stated that the media is the friend of the armed forces and Nigerian People and stressed the need to be supported to perform maximally.
According to him, given what is happening in some African countries, it is very clear that the Nigerian Army has earned itself a pass mark in the course of performing its statutory duties in the country and beyond.
Despite his pass mark, Chief Obaigbena stressed the need for the armed forces to do more, noting that they have laid their lives in defence of the territorial borders of the country.
“The Federal Government should ensure that Nigerian Armed Forces are properly funded through with twenty five percent of the national budget.”
He also advocated for allocation of twenty five percent of the Federal budget in education, especially for the North East to educate the populace there.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo, noted that the relationship between the military and the media is key going by what both institutions stand for and represent.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Richard Nongu, the Commissioner said over the years, the military has defended the nation’s territory effectively.
He, therefore, called for factual, sustained and harmonious Civil-Military Cooperation, which will enhance the peace and unity of the country and its development.
