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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Major-General Garba Wahab (rtd), has called for an improved relationship between the armed forces and the media to promote national security. Gen Wahab made the call during a media chat with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), entitled “National Interest versus National Security: A Quest for Responsible Journalism”, in Abuja.
The DG, who commended the media for their continuous support to military and security operations in the country, said the roundtable was organised to bridge the gaps that had been observed in the military-media relations, adding that there was the need to begin to build trust.
According to him: “Both parties, both sides need to find a way of moving ahead, and that is why the centre is getting DHQ and the services informed as to what the gaps that have been identified by the media practitioners, particularly the defence correspondents.
“There is need for them to block the gap from their side, and from the media side to also be mindful of the reportage, putting national security into consideration. Gen. Wahab noted that the military must engage with the three layers involved, saying that the defence correspondents, the guild of editors and media owners were the critical layers to deal with. He said that all the layers must work in agreement with the military to be able to project national interest and also ensure national security.
“We need to keep on talking to you but the guild of editors needs to be brought in at one point, and the owners of all these organisations need to come in.
