By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police have called for deeper collaboration between security agencies and the media, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections amid rising concerns over information disorder and national security.
At the 2026 NUJ FCT Council Press Week lecture in Abuja on Tuesday, a diverse group of diplomats, security chiefs, regulators, and journalists examined how the media can safeguard democracy.
According to Persecondnews, the event served as a major forum for addressing the press’s critical role in maintaining political stability.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Somaya Uba, said the Armed Forces see the media not just as observers, but as partners in the collective effort to secure the nation.
Oluyede emphasized that the media is crucial for shaping public perception, fostering national unity, and enhancing the effectiveness of various security operations.
He noted that while the military secures the physical environment, the media controls the information space, meaning responsible reporting is vital for both public trust and operational success.
He further highlighted that factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive journalism defuses tensions, starves extremist narratives of attention, and builds stronger bonds between the armed forces and the public.
“The media remains a critical pillar of our democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment, and accountability,” he said.
He further stressed that in today’s digital environment, where information spreads rapidly, responsible journalism is essential to national stability and security effectiveness.
In a similar vein, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, represented by the Head of Logistics and Supply, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustained collaboration with the media in protecting democratic governance and strengthening public trust.
He noted that the Police consider the media a vital institution in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, one that informs citizens, shapes national discourse, and reinforces accountability in public institutions.
Disu warned that misinformation and disinformation remain major threats to peace and stability, particularly as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, where information integrity will play a critical role in shaping public confidence in the electoral process.
He also emphasized that the Police will continue to engage the media constructively, ensuring access to information where necessary, improving transparency in policing operations, and strengthening communication channels with journalists.
He added that such collaboration is essential to sustaining trust between security agencies and the public, especially in a complex information environment.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, urged journalists to remain guided by professional ethics and a strong sense of public responsibility in the discharge of their duties.
He noted that journalism plays a critical role in sustaining democracy, especially in an environment where information spreads rapidly across digital platforms.
“Journalism must always serve the public good. Every report must be guided by truth, responsibility, and the need to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.”
He emphasized the need for journalists to remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of information, particularly in a politically sensitive period leading up to the 2027 general elections.
“Professional journalism requires discipline, balance, and courage. In a time of information overload, the credibility of the media depends on our commitment to accuracy and ethical judgment,” he stated.
The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the Press Week as a platform for deep reflection on the evolving challenges facing journalism in the digital age.
“The challenge before us is clear: to protect truth, defend democratic values, and resist the dangerous spread of falsehood, propaganda, and manipulated narratives that threaten the peace and unity of our country,” she said.
She noted that the increasing speed of digital information flow has made ethical journalism more critical than ever.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Guest Speaker Ndudi Elumelu said the survival of democracy depends largely on the quality of leadership and the values upheld by those in authority.
He stressed that public trust in governance can only be sustained when leaders demonstrate accountability, discipline, and respect for democratic institutions.
“The strength of any democracy is reflected in the integrity of its leadership and the trust it earns from the people,” he said.
He urged political actors to ensure that their actions strengthen institutions rather than weaken public confidence in the democratic process.
Also speaking, Yang Jiaxing, Culture Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, called for responsible journalism in strengthening international understanding and democratic values.
Jiaxing also commended the NUJ for promoting responsible journalism and mutual understanding, noting the importance of truthful reporting in strengthening bilateral relations.
“Responsible journalism is essential in building mutual understanding and promoting trust among nations and peoples,” he said.
Persecondnews reports that the event also featured former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro, alongside representatives of NITDA and NCC, who contributed to discussions on media responsibility, digital regulation, and national security in the information space.
Awards were presented to distinguished individuals including former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro, serving Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Ndudi Elumelu, Chris Isiguzo, Leadership Newspaper, and Comrade Grace Ike, among others, in recognition of contributions to journalism, public service, and national development.
Persecondnews also reports.that the lecture ended with renewed calls for stronger media–security collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Author
Leave a comment