The
Federal Government yesterday stated that dialogue was still ongoing to
ensure the release of more Chibok girls and other persons held hostage
by terrorists , even as it has threatened to deal with sponsors of Boko
Haram as terrorists.
Senior Special Assistant to the
president on Media and Publicity , Dr Femi Adesina made the assertion in
Lagos after presenting a paper titled ‘ The Challenges and Expectations
of the Media in Military Operations’ at a workshop organised by the
Directorate of Army Public Relations, DAPR for its officers, Commanding
officers and Defence correspondents.
Reiterating federal government’s resolve
at ensuring that those held hostage by members of the Boko Haram sect
were released in good condition, Adesina said ” This government is doing
all it can to tackle insurgency. If it knows the sponsors and is double
sure they are the sponsors, it would be left with no choice than to
treat them like Boko Haram ”
He stated that those so far released
from terrorists’ den by the military, were being rehabilitated
“physically, psychologically and in all aspects. Their education is
being taken care of as well. Talks are ongoing on the release of the
remaining girls. Many more would be released,” he assured.
During his presentation, Adesina called
on the need for there to be synergy between the Military and the media ,
in the former’s bid to tackle insurgency. He said “There must be
synergy between the military and the media for national development. The
military must arrange controlled access for the media at all times. It
must know that communication with the public is not optional but an
obligation and in national interest.
“All the media wants is information. So,
the military should ensure that the media is fed on the need to know
basis. Meet the reporters midway by providing information that would not
jeopardise operations. There should be opportunities for open and
independent news coverage facilitated by the military.
“Both the media and the military run on
ethics. But, they are not mutually exclusive of each other. A
relationship of creative tension must be accepted as a democratic
necessity,” he said
Read More:More Chibok girls will be released-FG
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