Public support for the Nigerian military’s
on-going counter-insurgency efforts is
crucial towards achieving peace and
security in Nigeria, two former military
leaders, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar have said.
They spoke at the public presentation of
two books written by Defence
spokesperson, Maj. General Chris
Olukolade in Abuja on yesterday.
The duo, along with former Minister of
Information, Prof. Jerry Gana emphasised
the role of the mass media towards
ensuring popular support through
increased public awareness.
Maj. Gen. Olukolade’s two books titled:
“Issues in the mobilization of public
support for military operations in Nigeria”
and “The Voice and battles of the Nigerian
military” were unveiled during a well-attended ceremony at the Nigerian Air
Force Conference centre and Suites Abuja
In the goodwill message read on his
behalf by Evangelist Austin Kemie, Gen.
Gowon condemned the Amnesty
International report which accused the
Nigerian security forces of inhumane acts,
stressing that the report is grossly misleading.
The former Head of State and other
dignitaries also praised Maj. Gen.
Olukolade for the manner in which he has
been carrying out his responsibilities as
the Nigerian military’s spokesman.
“Your response to the recent Amnesty
International report on the Nigerian
military and security forces’ alleged
human rights abuse was most
commendable as well.
“Their report was most unfair and
misleading; they were alluding to the
Nigerian military what the Boko Haram
was doing against the Nigerian public– military and civilians alike .

“It is Boko Haram that has been
committing atrocities and horrendous,
mindless killings of innocent citizens and
security personnel. It is Boko Haram that
must be condemned, not the Nigerian
armed forces.
“I therefore congratulate you on the
publication of these two books which tells
the Nigerian public and the world at large,
the truth about the Nigerian military, ” Dr.
Gowon stated.
In Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar's speech
delivered by former Chief of Army Staff,
Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman, he noted the role
of the mass media as a “force multiplier”,
adding that the popular support it
mobilizes can make a very crucial
difference towards achieving military
victory.
In another speech by the Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Defence,
Alhaji Ismaila Aliyu, he noted that the
mass media is a force to reckon with in
the process of carrying out any military
campaign, adding that a professional like
Gen. Olukolade knows what it takes to
mobilise public awareness while sustaining
military morale.
While Professor Jerry Gana spoke of the
importance of constitutional democracy,
good leadership and strategic thinking, he
emphasized that the media can
significantly influence citizens’
psychological disposition towards the
country’s armed forces.
All the speakers eulogized Olukola’s
intellectual contribution and the manner
with which he has been carrying out his
duties as an interface between the
Nigerian military and the mass media.
While a representative of the Ondo State
governor, Olusegun Mimiko began a spate
of launching with undisclosed amounts of
money, millions of Naira were realized at
the event.

source: www.thenationonlineng.net/new/gowon-condemns-amnesty-internationals-report-on-military/

Ok

Extra judicial killings and Gowon are like bread and butter; nothing new here.

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seedgreen:
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u be sheep?