Maj Gen Sawyerr takes over as Defence Spokesman, cautions media on “sensational reporting”

The newly appointed Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr has assumed duty. A brief ceremony marking the handing and taking over between him and the outgone acting Director Defence Information, Air Commodore WAP Maigida, was held on Friday, 30 July, 2021 at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

In a short speech at the event, new Defence spokesman urged the media to shun sensational reporting of defence and security information as it is capable of undermining national security. Maj  Gen Sawyerr described the media as a vital component in the entire process of any campaign plan, either conventional or asymmetric warfare, solicited media operators support in all spectrums towards jettisoning sensational headlines that give undue publicity to perpetrators of criminal acts that tend to undermine national security. He however, urged the media to be objective, fair and balanced in their reportage.

He noted that the AFN in synergy with other security agencies have continued to work round the clock in surmounting the various security threats.  These security challenges, he said, would in no distant time be a thing of the past, as a result of the positive feelers emanating from the theatres of operation.

He commended the efforts of the Deputy Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore  Martin Maigida for professionally piloting the affairs of the Directorate  while acting as Defence spokesman. He pledged to leverage on the successes recorded as well as the experience gathered over the years.

The immediate past Acting DDI, Air Cdre Maigida, earlier in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the CDS for his unflinching supports during his tenure. He then commended the media, particularly, the Defence Correspondents for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout his tenure and urged them to redouble their efforts in projecting the positive image of the AFN in the quest of ensuring national security.

Until his recent appointment, Maj Gen Sawyerr was the Commandant Nigerian Army Armour School, in Bauchi State.