ABUJA – The Supervising Minister of Information, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed, on Wednesday advised against the stimulation of debates not anchored on facts as the country prepared for 2015 general elections.
Mohammed, who is also the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, made the remark when he paid a familiarisation visit on the Federal Ministry of Information in Abuja.
He urged the staff of the ministry to continue to serve as gatekeepers of information on government activities.
“Conscious effort must be made to block information aimed at misleading the public as we approach the 2015 general elections.’’
Mohammed solicited the cooperation of the staff to enable him to realise the transformation of the country’s information system.
“First, we need to use the ministry to provide correct information on activities of government to the public.
“That is the essence of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The president requires the transmission of facts about the success stories of the transformation agenda of his administration.
“For us as foot soldiers of the administration, we must be prepared to achieve this mission,’’ he said.
According to him, the President recognises the potency of information and the media, adding “that was why he agreed to assent to the Freedom of Information Bill’’.
“We must all try and use our good offices to promote harmony, peace and stability among the 170 million population of our great country.’’
Earlier, Mrs Folashade Esan, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said it had worked hard to bridge the information gap between the country and the international community.
She said that it had also encouraged investment in the sector.
Esan, however, said the ministry was under funded, adding: “We have all this time struggled for space with the Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN) by co-habiting. We are in urgent need of our headquarters.’’ (NAN)