President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has declared that insecurity in the country is “declining” and that it is time for the media to “revise” their coverage of the country’s security concerns.
This was written in an Eid-ul-Maulud message.
Buhari said security agencies are “effectively” reacting to security concerns around the country in a statement released by presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu.
“The President uses the occasion to give a snapshot of the increased activities the Armed Forces, Police Force, and intelligence agencies have embarked upon to effectively respond to the security challenges in the nation,” the statement reads.
“He says the government fully expects and intends for these trends to continue, and calls on the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting into security and safety measures. Time has come to revise the prefixes ‘rising insecurity’ with ‘declining insecurity’.
“The President adds that increased cooperation and collaboration from the citizenry, coupled with reinvigorated, dynamic, and energised police, security and military leadership is helping the administration score more victories against terror, criminality, and economic sabotage. The reality of declining insecurity should replace the inaccurate narrative of rising insecurity in the country.”
The president also urged residents to praise and support security agencies in order to guarantee the country’s long-term peace.
“While there is still work to be done, the men and women in uniform who are assisting the nation in achieving this goal deserve our gratitude and encouragement to do even more.” In this regard, the entire country and its mass media channels have a responsibility,” he continued.
While felicitating with Muslims “on the occasion of the Maulud-Un-Nabiyy, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him,” he urged the Islamic faithful to embrace “forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW), whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day”.