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…says “we are not sleeping over security”
By: Okosun Dennis
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu on Thursday feted Defence Correspondents in an interractive section at the Conference Room, 81 Division Headquarters
in Lagos.
The GOC who expressed joy for meeting with the members of the fourth estate of the realm since taking over the commandship of the division, admonishes them to render objective and balanced reports without unnecessary sensationalism to capture the audience.
While promising them an unfettered open door policy, Gen Fejokwu noted that the division would partner with the press and avail them of necessary information that would assist them carry out their reportage within the purview of his office.
“I give you my assurance that my doors are open anytime. I also want to appeal to you (the fourth estate of the realm) that it is what you put out there, people get to know, digest, analyse, take positions and form opinion.
“Do objective and balanced reporting without necessarily sensationalizing things with the aim of capturing the audience. Once you send any report out, the inference that are drawn is different.
“Whether you blow it hot or cold to the public, it depends on how you chose to say it,” Gen Fejokwu enthused.
Responding to a question from one of the reporters on trusting and carrying Defence Correspondents along in the Division’s activities, Gen Fejokwu assured the media that he would trust them at doing their jobs and would let them into its plans but shouldn’t betray the trust.
“Report the way things happened so that the world can hear our own side of the story. We would trust you but don’t betray the trust,” he observed.
The GOC further stated that security architecture are being fortified with a viewing to mitigating and thwarting all manner of incursions and attacks as recently witnessed in some states of the federation especially the attacks at the Correctional Centres.
“We are not sleeping over it. We are working in synergy with other security agencies to dominate our areas of responsibilities. Unfortunately, everybody wants the army to provide answers to everything. We should free ourselves a little and allow other security agencies to do their work.
“I am proactive, and a lot is dependent on intelligence gathering, analysing and finding solutions. Intelligence gathering and sharing is a key to solving bandits and hoodlums incursions.
“We are explioting that aspect to deal with terrorists and we would continue to encourage the civil populace to avail us of information and be partners at ensuring that there is security in the country. Lagos and Ogun states will have robust security management under my watch. I have gone on familiarization tour of Ogun and the Brigade is fully on ground.
“However, let civil issues go to the relevant agencies to reduce the temptation rather than calling the military into everything,” Gen Fejokwu reiterated.
Earlier, the President, Defence Association of Nigeria (DECAN, Lagos Chapter), Mr Philip Nwosu expressed satisfaction with the GOC’s time to meet with Defence Correspondents despite his busy schedule. He took time to introduce every Defence Correspondent to the General Officer Commanding.
Present at the interractive section were the Chief of Staff, 81 Division, Brig Gen Nsikan Edet; the Division Training Officer, Brig Gen Shauibu Nuhu; Commander, 81 Division Military Intelligence, Brig Gen Yellow Duke, Commanders of 55 Signal Brigade and 81 Division Ordnance Services.
Others included: 81 Division Education, Colonel I. Mohammed; Deputy Chief of Staff Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics, 81 Division, Colonel S.U Abubakar and the Assistant Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Major Segun Osoba.
