The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has urged journalists to be resolute and not deterred by Thursday’s attacks on media houses.
Omeri, in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Paul Odenyi, called on the media not to cave in to the attack of evil men in the performance of their duties to the society.
The statement added that the attacks were meant to create fear in the mind of the professionals in the performance of their duty.
It stressed that the role of the media in modern societies was sacred.
“Without an informed and educated society, civilization would take a reverse route.’’
It held that the only reason to target the media in the new wave of terrorist attacks in the country was to get attention and give the impression that all was not well in the society.
“But we know that in truth, the country is on the verge of transformation, driven by a government sincerely committed to its mandate to develop the nation and the people.
“You have a sacred mandate to inform our people and even the outside world about what is going on in our country.“
The release stated that Nigerians were sick and tired of these acts of violence and that Government had offered the olive branch.
“What else do the terrorists want? “
“He told the management of the newspapers to use the opportunity of the incidents to reflect on the style of reporting of violence and terrorism in the country as criminals appeared to enjoy more publicity than patriots.
“Omeri appealed to the general public to remain firm in their condemnation of all acts of terror and intolerance and to go about their lawful duties without apprehension.
“Government is strongly resolved to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“Foreigners should not panic as the government was doing everything possible to protect them.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that there were coordinated bomb attacks on the premises of ThisDay, Sun and Moment newspapers in Abuja and Kaduna on Thursday, injuring and killing several people. (NAN)
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