Military siege on Daily Trust: Minister addresses a Press Conference on military siege on Daily Trust at the Minister's conference room in Abuja.

Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed is in an interactive session with Editors, Bureau Chiefs and reporters from various media organisations as regards the Military siege on Daily Trust.

Lai said " The issues that led to the short-lived military siege on Daily Trust will be resolved via dialogue. It is not helpful or advisable to aggravate matters, as some opposition parties have been doing, by latching on to the issue.

"Suffice it to say, however, that the media must strike a fine balance between the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom to receive and impart information and national security.

"I believe that the Nigerian media does not need any lecture on this issue, considering its indispensable role in the emergence of Nigeria as an independent nation and the enthronement of democratic government.

"The military has issued a statement to explain their action concerning the presence of troops in the offices of the Daily Trust in Maiduguri and Abuja.

"It said classified military information was divulged and that the development puts troops in clear and present danger. That is a very serious issue.

"I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the media to exercise greater restraint in their reporting on the insurgency in the North East.

"Lest we are misunderstood, we are not about to gag the press, and there is no clampdown as some people, seeking to feed on the issue, have claimed. But the media must exercise restraint and show more responsibility in reporting the insurgency.

"If I may ask, what is so compelling in pushing a report that compromises national security? What is so compelling in publishing a report that puts our troops in harm's way?.

"That brings me to the bigger issue of overall support for our military. Recent developments are disturbing. The activities of a section of the media and some opposition political parties are demoralizing the military and strengthening the insurgents."

Without seeking or waiting for official clarification, outrageous casualty figures are prominently reported. Without consideration for national security, military plans are recklessly revealed. Not even in the United States, the bastion of democracy, does this happen. 

"Some opposition political parties have needlessly pilloried the military, under the guise of criticising the Federal Government over the war against terror.

"In the first instance, it is the prerogative of Mr. President to extend or not extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police or any service chief. That prerogative cannot be taken from Mr. President on the altar of paranoia by some people.

"President Obasanjo, in his time, extended the tenure of Mr Sunday Ehindero as IGP. Was there no opposition party then? Also, in his time, President Umaru Musa Yar'Ardua extended the tenure of Mr. Mike Okiro as IGP, heavens didn't fall.

"I have read that some opposition parties are planning a series of nationwide protests on the issue of IG's tenure. That's purely within their right in a democracy. And I wish them the best of luck.

"The Army has launched Operation Python Dance as part of efforts to ensure security for the 2019 elections. Again, the opposition has kicked. The opposition should understand it cannot eat its cake and have it.

"They have been alleging a nationwide state of insecurity ahead of the polls. If the security agencies decide to take a preemptive measure to ensure security before the elections, why should that raise any eyebrow?