The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has firmly denied reports suggesting he dismissed recent security concerns raised by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister described the claims as false and misleading, particularly condemning a headline from an online publication that quoted him as saying, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.”
“The Office of the Minister has noted a misleading caption by an online publication. This is categorically false and a gross distortion of the Minister’s remarks,” the statement read.
Idris emphasized that he had never dismissed the Governor’s concerns, adding that the controversial headline was “deliberately crafted as a deliberate act of misinformation” aimed at sowing public confusion and distracting from the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
He acknowledged that while significant strides have been made in improving national security, some regions, including parts of Borno State, continue to face challenges.
He highlighted ongoing military operations, investments in security infrastructure, and the Federal Government’s commitment to ending terrorism and banditry under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister called for greater cooperation between federal and state governments in addressing security threats and reaffirmed that his remarks were intended to provide perspective on national progress, not to undermine or disregard the Governor’s concerns.
Idris also urged the media to practice responsible journalism by avoiding sensationalism and ensuring the accuracy of their reports.
“The task of rebuilding peace and security in our nation is a collective one that must not be undermined by reckless and irresponsible reportage,” he concluded.