Colonel Nwachukwu Onyema DDI
Colonel Nwachukwu Onyema DDI
Media Should Starve Terrorists of Publicity – Col
Nwachukwu, New Defence Spokesperson
The new Spokesperson of Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Colonel
Nwachukwu Onyema has disclosed that terrorists survive on the
oxygen of media publicity.
According to him, acts of insurgency continue to defy every
possible solution because the publicity in the media seems to be
the oxygen which gives life to terrorism.
Colonel Nwachukwu spoke during his inauguration as the new
acting Director Defence Information (DDI) at the Defence
Headquarters’ Conference Room.
He said terrorism is a societal ill and an aberration that is
threatening Nigeria’s collective peace, unity and national
development, hence must not be allowed to thrive.
He observed that contemporary security challenges have
orchestrated a paradigm shift from the traditional interstate
warfare between nation states to intra state conflicts.
Col. Nwachuckwu, then said that, such a situation engenders a
plethora of security challenges ranging from terrorism, militancy,
banditry and other sundry crimes.
“These developments have been most times, overwhelming for the
paramilitary agencies, thereby occasioning the invitation of the
military to act in aid of civil authority to restore law and order
and ensure peace and stability.
“Therefore, in addition to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial
integrity, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is engrossed in containing
security challenges that are of internal disposition,” he said.
He called on respective reputable media to support and
appreciate the AFN for its commitment and steadfastness in ensuring
national security.
He appreciated members of the press, for being very professional
in the military’s quest to fight terrorism, insurgency and other
criminal elements for the enthronement of peace and national
security.
His words: “It is therefore pertinent, to work hands in glove to
deny our common adversary the oxygen of publicity and crush the
grandiose ego of terrorism.”
The newly-inaugurated Defence image maker also enjoined the
press to encourage the general public to equally support the
military, saying that “it will go a long way to motivate and shore
up their morale as they carry out the herculean task of defending
the nation.”
He pledged to contribute his quota, as an information and
reputation manager, to the actualization of the vision of the Chief
of Defence Staff, which is to “ensure a well-motivated, trained and
equipped Armed Forces that is responsive to national security
commitment”.
In a remark before handing-over, the outgone DDI, Brig. Gen.
John Agwim, said he was fulfilled not only for acquiring the
highest level of educational qualifications and also becoming a
fellow of the highly esteemed Nigerian Institute of Public
Relations (NIPR), but also, to have risen to the peak by serving as
the spokesman for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The former Defence spokesperson maintained that the task of
managing the image and reputation of the Armed Forces is very
important but quite challenging, saying: “This is because the
activities and nature of military operations are one that has
far-reaching implications for the nation and its citizens.”
The highpoint of the colorful ceremony was the signing of the
handing-over note, and flag to the new DDI by Brig. Gen. Agim.
The NIPR President, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo was among eminent
dignitaries at the event.