Nigerian Army
Still
Nigerian Army
Still on Nigerian Army’s Penchant for
civil-military-media relations
By Sagir Musa
I wish to thank the Almighty God and the Chief of Army Staff
Nigerian Army (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for
finding me worthy professionally and in character to be appointed
as Acting Director Army Public Relations. Becoming Corps Commander
is one of the major dreams of every officer of the Nigerian Army
and for that I am eternally grateful to the COAS.
The Directorate of Army Public Relations has overtime developed
dramatically in managing, depending and projecting the image and
reputation of the Nigerian Army despite the challenges imposed by
social media and the increasing spate of fake news.
The period of Information Communication Technology has made it
easier for speedy dissemination of information to the wider
publics. It also brings additional dilemma to managers of
information. Consequently, strengthening military-media relations
in support of the COAS vision is one of my lofty aspirations as the
Acting Director of this important Directorate. I, therefore,
pledged to evolve measures and potent ways and means that will help
improve and strengthen the already existing relationship between
these noble institutions with the major view to winning the war
against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
For that singular patriotic consideration, – the military and
media must work together in a mutually respectful and cordial
relationship devoid of the traditional rancour, distrust,
suspicion, enmity and bitterness. Members of the press, there is
indeed no better time for this then the period of the current COAS
who has so far sufficiently demonstrated the Nigerian Army’s
penchant for excellent civil- military-media relations.
At the moment, I believed, the NA has done much and will
continue to do more with the aim of improving the relationship
between the two organizations. It is now your turn to henceforth,
consistently and patriotically partner with the NA and other
security agencies to rid our beloved country of terrorism,
insurgency and other assorted crimes across the nation.
Finally, I wish to once again express my profound gratitude and
appreciation to Nigeria’s indefatigable and pragmatic COAS
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for appointing me as Acting
Director Army Public Relations. I wish to assure the COAS and
indeed the NA, that the Directorate, under my command, will
continue to operate in total support to the vision of the COAS
which is to have a “Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the
Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”.
I must not end this address without commending the sterling
contributions of former Directors, officers and soldiers as well as
the civilian personnel of the Directorate for selfless services to
the NA and the nation. May the Almighty reward you all.
Colonel Sagir Musa
Acting Director, Army Public Relations