Leadnaija
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has strongly refuted allegations suggesting that he downplayed the security concerns raised by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
The statement was issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, clarifying the misunderstanding surrounding recent remarks made by Idris.
In the statement, the Minister’s office condemned a misleading caption by an online publication, which falsely claimed that Idris had dismissed Governor Zulum’s concerns regarding the escalating security situation in Borno State. The statement emphasized that the headline, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno,” was both false and misleading, aiming to create confusion and misrepresentation of the Minister’s position.
The Minister clarified that, contrary to the fabricated headline, he had acknowledged the ongoing security challenges in certain areas of the country, including Borno. He further emphasized the significant progress made by the Federal Government in restoring peace and security in many parts of Nigeria. Idris stressed that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made considerable investments in security hardware, intelligence, and military operations aimed at eradicating terrorism and banditry across the nation.
Moreover, the Minister called on all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, to continue their partnership with the Federal Government to ensure lasting peace and security in affected regions.
Minister Idris clarified that his comments were meant to provide context about the government’s progress in addressing security challenges and were not intended to undermine or dismiss the legitimate concerns raised by Governor Zulum. He further urged media outlets to uphold responsible journalism standards by avoiding sensationalism and ensuring that only verified and factual information is disseminated.
The statement concluded with a call for collaboration in rebuilding peace and security, emphasizing that this critical task requires collective efforts from all levels of government and the media.
LeadNaija News Desk.
