‘Stop celebrating Boko Haram,’ Ex-President tells media

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July 16, 2015 1:44 PM

Babangida said further that the media should focus on highlighting the military’s victories instead of the sect’s atrocities.

Former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida

Former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) had urged the media to stop celebrating Boko Haram by announcing their activities.

The former ruler made the comments on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, via a statement he released in commemoration of Eid il Fitr, which marks the end of the Ramadan fast.

Babangida said:

“At this stage of our national history, especially with the insecurity we presently experience, it is appropriate for us to device new ways and means of confronting this hydra-headed insurgency, without making such initiatives public knowledge.”

“Media intelligence is required in helping to assemble information and distilling such information in a manner that would benefit the fight against terrorism. Going by the news and information we get everyday, I feel very strongly that the media has a greater role to play in the management of information.”

“The type of headlines and lead stories that are promoted in favour of the insurgents could only help to motivate members of Boko Haram rather than demotivate them. I expect, with a deep sense of patriotism, to see a greater deal of positive news promoted in support of military efforts at confronting this menace than a celebration of Boko Haram carnage, day in and day out.”

“The media, it must be emphasized, has a greater role to play in this information management system where a well-defined synergy is encouraged between members of the media and the military hierarchy. On a good day, as is often said, the idea of taking some Boko Haram suspects and prisoners to Anambra State, should not be public knowledge, if we are truly serious about information management.”

“Each time we celebrate the dastardly acts of Boko Haram on the front pages of our newspapers and electronic platforms, it is a score for Boko Haram. We must weigh such information against our collective national interest. Do we subscribe to Boko Haram or to the Nigerian nation?”

“Since we are of good consciences and subscribe to the Nigerian nation, military efforts and achievements in the fight against insurgency should be given primacy than what a suicide bomber has just done.”

Babangida also expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would crush the sect once and for all.

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Watch video of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau claiming responsibility for the January 2015 Baga massacre below:

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