* Abechi, right and Buratai

  by Tony Icheku, Abuja

 Why should journalists interact with the Nigerian Army High Command? Members were initially sceptical. Must the  Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ FCT Council's play host to Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Tanko Yusuf Buratai at a special Congress?. Is it necessary? they queried. But it ended in praise, accolades for the military and conferment of honours on journalists by the Nigerian Army. For Council chair, Ella Abechi, it was another successful outing.

 In his opening remarks at the interactive session, Chairman of NUJ, FCT Council, Comrade Paul Ella Abechi declared the special congress as the dawn of a new day. A new beginning from "our inglorious past when the Military regarded the Press as an enemy and vice-versa. 

 "If today, the Army and journalists agree on one thing, I believe it will  open  doors for this two great institutions to work for the betterment of a greater Nigeria" he affirmed.

 Abechi sang the praises of the Nigerian Army for finally getting the upper hand over the Boko Haram insurgents. He also highlighted the leadership role of Lt-Gen Buratai in achieving this feat. 

 Abechi maintained that the prevalence of terrorism all over the world, Nigeria inclusive has created unique challenges in media/military relationship. He urged the Army to synergise with the media to ensure the military supremacy over insurgency is sustained.

 Lt-Gen Buratai in his remarks highlighted the fact that there is a  turnaround in the media/military relationship. From  antagonism, there is now mutual trust and camaderie between the military and journalist:  “In the past, there was mistrust, denial of access to information and to military facilities coupled with intimidation amongst other measures. Now, there’s more trust and understanding between the two institutions. Journalists have followed us to battle fronts. Today, we have seamless information flow with the media.

 “The victory over the Boko Haram criminals for instance, is a media victory. We have journalists who are veterans of 'Operation Lafiya Dole'. Journalists were in my team during the 12th December 2015 ambush by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. They experienced everything that happened"

 Buratai - and his Principal Staff Officers graced the occasion informally dressed in long sleeve shirts and ties - further  maintained that the Nigerian Army has embedded journalists into their military operations as part of efforts to make people of the nation see the military institution as belonging to them. He urged journalists  to always consider national interest when reporting and writing.

  “Our deep respect for journalists had informed our view of them. We have established our own FM Radio station as well as employed journalists within our systems.” the Army chief affirmed.

 Buratai after his extempore delivery entertained  questions and reactions from journalists. Summarily, he sought the understanding of Nigerians to realise that the Nigerian Army belong to them. "Our soldiers who volunteered their lives for our joint security operations deserves to be verbally commended when you see them. This will make them feel so proud that afterall the people they serve appreciate their role in preserving the sovereignty of the Country" he said.

 The NUJ National President, Comrade Waheed Odusile, who came as a guest to the event also commended the military, especially the Nigerian Army for restoring peace and rescuing back every inch of Nigeria from the insurgents. 

 "I was in Maiduguri last week and was out in the town till midnight, this was not possible some months ago when I visited. Thanks to the Nigerian military, the town is now peaceful.

 “Our friends  in the military must understand that journalists  are patriots working for the unity of our nation. Nigeria belongs to us all. It is the truth, and information  that journalists seek. "It is incumbent on anyone with such information to give it.  We are the only institution guaranteed by the Constitution to hold the nation’s leadership responsible for their actions and inactions.”

 The Army chief announced that 13 journalists will be decorated for services rendered to the Nation. He explained that the journalists were being honoured for their roles in military operations. Those honoured include Ben Shamang (VON); Blessing Tuno and Adewale Fatai (ChannelsTV); Mohammed Ilumbo and Brenda Uchi (AIT); Abdulkareem Haruna (Leadership); Jubril Baba Ndache (Blueprint) and Ismaila Alfa.

 Others honoured include NTA’s duo of Mohammed Abdulkadri and A. K. Nwokocha. 

 Prominent journalists who attended the event include Hajiya Rafat Salami, Secretary of Council, FCT Council. Others include Amos Dunia, Malachy Uzendu, Jacob Edi and Abduljelil Adebayo all  former FCT Council chairmen. Former NAWOJ President Evelyn Onyilo was also present. Chairmen of NUJ State Councils  present include Chris Asaka, (Benue); Ali Atabo, (Kogi); Yakubu Tadi, (Plateau); Mohammed Mohammed,  (Niger); Abiodun Abdulkareem, (Kwara) and  Dan Yakubu (Nasarawa). The zonal vice-president of the NUJ, North-Central, Zone D was also present.

 Principa Staff Officers of the Nigeria Army who graced the event include: Major Generals Lincoln Okunewe; A. B. Abubakar; J. S. Malu; O. O. Adeleke; Pat Akeh; M. H. Garba; M. Mohammed and  E. J. O. Boji.

 Also present were Brigadiers General A. O. Adetayo, O. U. Obono, Rabeh Abubakar, J. E. Jacko and the Director of Military Information S. K. Usman.

 Earlier, Mr Ellah has explained that the Special Congress was being hosted by the NUJ, FCT Council, but the Army graciously gave the Army Officers Mess as venue since the NUJ Secretariat was under going reconstruction.