CSOs, media must show objectivity in analysis of military affairs–CISA
The Citizens’ Initiative for Security Awareness, CISA, is strongly of the opinion that Nigerians, especially media commentators and CSO activists must show balance in their coverage, reportage or analysis of military’s operation in the country.
Mr. Zakari Mukhtar, the group’s National Organizing Secretary, says it becomes pertinent for the media, and CSOs, to heed CISA’s call in order to inspire hope and confidence on the people, while boosting the morale and fighting spirit of military troops.
Mukhtar, spoke in Abuja, at a press conference, themed: “Stop Brewing Discontent and Acrimony in our Armed Forces, CISA Warns Paid Groups”.
According to him, the activities of some insidious groups are targeted at destabilizing and detracting Nigerian military’s battle against insurgency and other sundry criminalities.
“As a civil society group interested in the general security and welfare of Nigerians, and who understands the grave implication of subjecting the military and security agencies to undue politicization and demonization of their leadership, CISA believes that critics of military operations should show objectivity and balance in their analysis and commentaries,” Mukhtar said.
Read Also:
He observed that their CISA is never begrudging or discouraging individuals and group from expressing their views about the conduct of military operations.
He however, said that it is not in the interest of “our country and our armed forces for any group to offer its platform for the peddling of unsubstantiated allegations or advancement of ulterior motives.”
The CISA Scribe said: “For us in CISA, we wish to urge Nigerians, especially those who wish to be identified as civil society organisations, to be mindful of the kind of advocacy or activism they engage in, especially at a time like this.
“It is most unpatriotic, insensitive and treacherous for any so-called CSO to willfully and deliberately offer its platform and legitimacy to be used in fanning the embers of discord or promotion of discontent and acrimony within the ranks of the Nigerian military or any security agency for that matter.
“CISA acknowledges the very challenging security situation in the country but it is not unmindful of the efforts and commitment of the military in stemming the tide. We believe that the time we are in now calls for All-of-the-Nation Approach in confronting the security challenges.
“Every segment of the society is expected to contribute its quota if we must surmount the security challenges. It is no longer acceptable for any group to stay aloof in their comfort zones and be pointing fingers of blame or making wild allegations.”
