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The Media should stop mocking anti-graft war; it is not Buhari’s war but our war – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has appealed to the Media to join the present Government in its fight against corruption, instead of mocking its anti-corruption fight.

He stated that the anti-graft war should not be seen as the Federal Government’s fight but a fight by all, emphasizing that if Nigeria and Nigerians fail to defeat corruption, “it will simply destroy us as a Nation”.

He said this at the 68th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), held in Abuja on Monday.

Mohammed explained that the Media is free to criticize the Government, but noted that headlines such as ‘Buhari’s Government Losing Anti-Corruption War’, ‘Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War is Failing’, ‘Arewa Youths Knock President Buhari Over Failing Anti-corruption War’, used by some media outlets is sheer mockery and not reporting.

“This appeal to the media to join us in the fight against corruption is borne out of the fact that the Fourth Estate of the Realm cannot afford to sit on the fence, as far as this fight is concerned”.

He pointed out that of the three campaign promises made by the present administration; the fight against corruption is the toughest.

“Fighting corruption anywhere is like walking a lonely road. While many will join hands with you to tackle insecurity or to revamp the economy, you are on your own when you take on corruption”.

The Information Minister lauded the Government for its achievements despite the challenges faced daily in its fight against corruption.

He cited examples of how the Government has been able to fight corruption, including the Government’s whistle blowing policy which has led to the recovery of $151 million and N8 billion in looted funds.

“We have eliminated the N108 billion in maintenance fees payable to banks, pre-TSA”.

Considering the resistance to the war against corruption, the Minister believes the chances of victory are slimmer without the support of the media.

“When the media is not fully on board, the fight against corruption becomes tougher. When the media sits on every setback we suffer prosecuting this war, they give succour to the corrupt. When the media falls for the distraction tactics of those who are mortally afraid of this war, they weaken the battle”.

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