ACOE Meets with Defence Headquarters to Forge Future Partnership
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ACOE Meets with Defence Headquarters to Forge Future Partnership
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian military has called for media support to address the ongoing security challenges in the country, emphasizing readiness to take strong action against any attacks on its personnel.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information (DDI), made these remarks on Tuesday while addressing members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) during a courtesy visit to his office, stating that acts of barbarism against military personnel will no longer be tolerated.
He reiterated the Defence Headquarters’ stance that any further attacks on military personnel by civilians would not be tolerated and that the military would use legal means to address such acts.
“Thank you for finding the time to visit, despite the rescheduled appointment,” Gusau said.
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He acknowledged the importance of the media, particularly online media, for its speed and reach in disseminating information, as he commended GeeTv Khadijah for her prompt reporting and expressed appreciation for the working relationship with online media.
Gusau addressed recent incidents of extrajudicial killings of military personnel, thanking the visiting publishers for their empathy.
He urged Nigerians to view the military as part of their community and to support the fight against common enemies.
He stressed that military personnel are recruited from various states and belong to the same communities they protect.
“When the CDS assumed office, he emphasized that our actions should always consider the larger Nigeria first and align with the people’s needs,” Gusau said.
“We are here to protect and secure our country. Attacking military personnel is unacceptable. There are proper channels for addressing any misconduct by our personnel, including hotlines and human rights offices.”
He warned against taking the law into one’s own hands and emphasized that military uniforms symbolize state authority.
“We will not tolerate any attacks on our personnel. We will respond within the law and expect Nigerians to respect the military’s role,” Gusau asserted.
Gusau assured the ACOE members of the military’s willingness to support their programs and encouraged ongoing collaboration. He invited them to engage with the Defence Headquarters for any clarifications and expressed readiness to support their upcoming investiture program.
Earlier, ACOE President, Martins Odiete commiserated with the military over recent losses and emphasized the need for collaboration to prevent similar incidents.
He highlighted the association’s pan-Nigerian agenda and its readiness to work with the Defence Headquarters.
“Our association is committed to supporting the military and ensuring accurate and timely reporting,” Odiete said.
He outlined plans for the association’s flagship investiture event and other programs aimed at instilling journalistic ethics among members.
Odiete also requested that ACOE members be included in military-related events and recognized for their role in reporting on Defence Headquarters.
“We are editors and publishers, and we seek to be considered alongside other conventional platforms,” he said.
