Fake News: Army Charges Abia Social Media Influencers To Place National Security Over Traffic

The Nigerian Army has organised a social media seminar for media practitioners, bloggers, and social media influencers in Abia State with a charge on them to shun fake news and place national security above their desire to attract traffic to their websites.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Enugu, Major Gen. H. T Dada, while declaring open the seminar which is 33rd in the series with fake and unsubstantiated reports, the nation can be set up in flames, urging for an end to harmful contents on media and social media spaces.

He explained that the seminar was introduced and organised by the Nigerian Army “to provide a veritable platform to keep our youths abreast of its activities which are geared towards ensuring our national security.”

Gen. Dada urged social media influencers and content creators to use their media messages for development purposes and not to cause problems in society.

He said the seminar would serve as a forum to efficiently equip the youths in the state with the information required to guarantee a safe and secure society for all.

“It is also designed as a feedback mechanism to x-ray our operations for better service delivery to the people.”

The GOC expressed optimism that the outcome of the one-day seminar would assist “in consolidating our operational achievements and enhance the economic development of Abia in particular and the South East region in general.”

In his remark, the Bridge Commander in charge of 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier Gen. Olusola Diya, noted that social media had their good sides, and urged that the merits of the platform be maximized for the good of all.

He also urged the social media could be used to bring to the attention of the military hierarchy, the misdeeds of some military personnel.

“Use your social media handle to report to the “nearest military establishment” about the excesses of some bad eggs among the military while on duty.

”Our names are on our uniform. Get the name of the erring soldier at the checkpoint. Get the name and the location, and send to us. We will take action immediately.

“We know of so many atrocities including extortions at the checkpoints. We need information and we will deal with the soldiers involved”, Gen. Diya said.

The Army said it will work with the civilian communities by maintaining and promoting harmonious relationships to build an enabling environment for the attainment of sustainable peace and improved national security.