The new Director Defence information (DDI) Major General Benjamin Sawyerr formally assumed command during a brief ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
General Sawyerr while tasking the media to avoid sensationalism that give undue publicity to activities of the adversaries, also pledges to operate an open door policy and honest communications parameters that are quick and responsive.
He assured that the current insecurity will become a thing of the past in no distant time as the Armed Forces of Nigeria is working in synergy with other security agencies to surmount terrorism, banditry ,militancy, and other sundry crimes.
General Sawyerr was full of appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Lucky Irabor and the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya for finding him worthy to be appointed as the Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“as we are all aware, the Armed Forces of Nigeria in synergy with other security agencies have continued to work round the clock in surmounting the nation’s numerous security challenges which include terrorism, insurgency, militancy, illegal oil bunkering, armed banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes”.
“These ugly developments, which have continued to affect the peaceful co-existence of the citizens of our dear country, would in no distant time be a thing of the past, judging from the positive feelers emanating from the theatres of operation.” said the new DDI.
He further solicited the support of media operators in all spectrums while commending the members of the third Estate of the realm for exhibiting high sense of professionalism in the reportage of the fight against domestic and foreign adversaries.
“I must also add that it is ethical and patriotic to be objective, fair and balanced in your media coverage and reportage as we have no other country but Nigeria. I will want to also encourage you to maintain these journalistic virtues as you redouble your efforts in supporting the AFN to ensure that the needed peace is restored in all the troubled parts of our dear nation”.
The Defence Spokesman called on Nigerians to remain patriotic and responsive by providing credible, timely and actionable information to aid the Armed Forces and other security agencies in performing their constitutional roles of protecting the territorial integrity as well as lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians and foreign nationals.
Speaking earlier, the outgoing Acting Director defence information Air Commodore Wap Maigida assured the Director of the Staff’s commitment and support towards assisting him in projecting the activities of the AFN and in attainment of set objectives.
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