Security Challenges: Council raises alarm over uncomplimentary role of media

The Honourary International Investors’ Council on Monday expressed concern over the uncomplimentary role of the domestic and international media in communicating developments in the country.
The Coordinator of the Council, Baroness Lynda Chalker, stated this in Abuja when she briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council’s meeting, presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Chalker said the council advised the media to be sensitive towards complementing efforts at curbing the insecurity capable of derailing the gains achieved under the fledgling democratic rule.
She said: “We noted the role of the domestic and international media in communicating accurately the developments that are going on in the country.
“We asked the media to be sensitive towards complementing the efforts at curbing the insecurity.
“I believe that by better communication and by responsible reporting, great deal could be done to understand just what the challenge is and how it can be tackled.”
Chalker, however, noted that the council commended the government on its strategic communication plan.
According to her, the plan aims at stimulating a positive mindset of the people toward national development.
She said the council urged the government to always ensure that “the right information is communicated to the public”.
While commending the efforts of government in tackling the menace of terrorism, Chalker said the council appreciated the challenges posed by security threats, especially those associated with insurgency in the North East.
According to Chalker, the council also commended the ability of the security agencies in tackling crude oil theft and piracy in Nigeria’s coastal waters through the satellite monitoring programme.
She said the council, however, stressed the need for government to ensure the prosecution of oil thieves to serve as deterrent to others.
Chalker said: “Council noted the efforts of government at building power transmission and rail transportation as part of the national infrastructure network.
“It recommends that the private sector should continually be engaged as partners to meet the financing needs to drive the National Industrial Revolution Policy.
“Council noted the report of the committee on Financing Value Chain and recognised the need to create an industrial funding vehicle that would unlock capital for real sector investment.”