Insecurity: Group accuses CSOs, NGOs, media of supporting terrorists, criminals

….Says twisting narrative to misrepresent CDS, Gen. Musa height of mischief, irresponsibility

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA: Worried by recent awkward development, a group, National Youths Security and Development Initiative, NYSDI, has accused some advocacy groups, CSOs, NGOs and media organisations of covertly promoting the activities of the terrorists and criminals engaged in killings and wanton destruction of properties in the country.

The group, which expressed concerns over the development, further condemned the situation where they have chosen to down play national security while upholding issues that affect morale of troops of the Armed Forces who are daily making sacrifices for the country.

Addressing a news conference on Friday in Abuja, the Secretary of NYSDI, Charles Freeman recalled a recent incident when one advocacy group intentionally twisted narrative to misrepresent the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa.

In the text of the media briefing with theme: “Security: Why the Media, CSOs, NGOs, Advocacy Groups should give accurate information”, the group commended Gen. Musa’s dexterity towards annihilating terrorists and other criminals elements disturbing the country.

Freeman noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens, promote civil-military cooperation, and uphold the values of professionalism,

According to the group, “We are here this afternoon to make our observations on the current security issues facing our country. We are so concerned about the spate of killings and wanton destruction of properties being perpetrated by criminals with no reason.

“It is a trying time for our country, but this organisation believe that it will soon come to an end.

“This organisation is concerned about the role of some so called advocacy groups, CSOs, NGOs and even some media organisations that are indirectly promoting the activities of the terrorists and criminals.

“These Advocacy groups, CSOs, NGOs and media organisations have chosen to down play national security while upholding issues that affect morale of our troops who are daily making sacrifices for our country.”

The group recalled that, “Recently, one advocacy group whether intentional, we can not say went all out to misrepresent the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa.

“Regrettably the advocacy group twisted the narrative and attempted to politicize an issue as sensitive as national security.

“For the media organisations that carried the story, we feel it was necessary to get clarification before taking it to the public.

“The issue of national security and current challenges we are facing is too sensitive to be misrepresented.

“Messages will be sent down the line deepening the crisis.”

We want to quote and agree with the Defence Headquarters that “General Musa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens, promote civil-military cooperation, and uphold the values of professionalism, compassion, and integrity in military operations.”

The group said, “Under the CDS, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has shown commitment and sincerity in its approach to solving the crisis.

“We are pleading with advocacy groups, CSOs, NGOs and media organisations to exercise restraint in their activities. We must not destroy what the Armed Forces are doing to restore peace across the country.

“Across the country, our troops are paying huge sacrifices. Your role can either make or mar their efforts.

“We especially appeal to our media friends, if possible verify information before sending it out.”