The Office of the Minister of Information and National Orientation has vehemently denied reports suggesting that the Minister, Mohammed Idris, disregarded the concerns raised by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, about the prevailing security situation in the state. The Ministry clarified that the Minister’s remarks were grossly misrepresented and sensationalized to create a false narrative of discord between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. The controversial headline, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno,” attributed to the Minister, was unequivocally refuted as a deliberate fabrication intended to mislead the public and undermine the government’s efforts to address security challenges. The Ministry emphasized the Minister’s acknowledgment of the ongoing security concerns while highlighting the significant strides made by the Federal Government in restoring peace and stability across various regions of the country.
The controversy stemmed from Governor Zulum’s public expression of concern regarding a resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno State. His remarks, reported by PUNCH Online, painted a picture of escalating attacks and implied that the government was losing ground in the fight against the insurgency. In response to these concerns, the Minister of Information clarified that the Federal Government was fully aware of the persistent security challenges in certain areas and remained committed to addressing them. He emphasized the ongoing deployment of military and security forces, continuous investment in security hardware and intelligence gathering, and the unwavering resolve of the Tinubu administration to eradicate terrorism and banditry nationwide.
The Ministry’s statement underscored that the Minister’s response to Governor Zulum’s concerns was intended to provide context on the overall progress achieved in the fight against insecurity, rather than to dismiss or downplay the legitimate concerns of the Borno State Governor. The Ministry stressed the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in achieving lasting peace and security. The Minister’s call for continued partnership between all stakeholders was reiterated, highlighting the shared responsibility in addressing the security challenges facing the nation. The Ministry criticized the media for misconstruing the Minister’s statements and urged them to exercise responsible journalism, avoiding sensationalism and prioritizing accuracy in reporting.
The Ministry highlighted the Federal Government’s multi-pronged approach to tackling insecurity, which includes military operations, investment in security infrastructure, and intelligence gathering. The continued deployment of military and security personnel to conflict zones is evidence of the government’s commitment to maintaining security and protecting citizens. Investment in advanced security hardware and technology aims to enhance the capabilities of security forces in effectively countering threats. Furthermore, the government’s focus on strengthening intelligence gathering mechanisms is crucial for proactively identifying and neutralizing potential threats before they escalate.
The Ministry stressed the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry across the nation. This commitment is underpinned by a belief in the importance of collaborative efforts between the Federal Government, state governments, and local communities. The Ministry emphasized the need for a united front against insecurity, acknowledging that the challenges faced require a collective and coordinated response. The call for partnership extends to all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations, recognizing the vital role they play in fostering peace and stability within their communities.
The Ministry’s statement concluded with a plea to media organizations to uphold the principles of responsible journalism. The Ministry emphasized the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting in the context of national security, stressing that sensationalism and misinformation can undermine public trust and hinder efforts to address critical security challenges. The Ministry called on media platforms to prioritize the verification and accuracy of information before publication, recognizing the potential for inaccuracies to escalate tensions and exacerbate existing conflicts. The Ministry urged media practitioners to contribute constructively to the national discourse on security, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting peace and stability.
