By Millicent Onaga, Enugu
The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General T. A Lagbaja has pledged Synergy and collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Enugu Correspondents’ chapel.
Major Lagbaja made the pledge when the newly elected executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel paid him a courtesy visit at the Headquarters of the Division in Enugu on Tuesday.
The leaders of the union commended the GOC for the long lasting relationship that has existed between the Army and the press and therefore sought for continuation of such relationship.
The Chairman of the union, Comrade Lawrence Njoku, who said that the visit was to renew their partnership with the division stressed that the union may not function effectively without a cordial relationship with the Army who have always ensured their safety at every point in time.
According to Comrade Njoku, “We have enjoyed an unchanging cordial relationship with the Army and we have come to say thank you and to renew our friendship goal which is to partner and collaborate with the Nigerian Army.”
He also pleaded with the Major Lagbaja to always consider their calls at any point in time.
Responding to the request, the GOC assured the journalists of their safety in the state as they carry out their lawful duties.
Major Lagbaja thanked them for the visit and urged them to continue to objectively report the conduct/activities of the Division in and out of conflict situations.
He also applauded the press for the good job they are doing by providing information for the people, adding that the media should always try and investigate issues before they print, as by so doing, a lot of errors and misconception could be avoided.
Speaking further, he pledged commitment to the partnership of Division with NUJ, stressing that the union should not hesitate to contact the military on any report or matter which needs clarity for balance reportage.
The GOC also urged members of the public to go about their lawful businesses as the order for a sit-at-home every Monday has been suspended by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who initially issued the order.