By: SUNNY DAVID / AWKA
The new Police Commissioner of Anambra State, Mr. John Bassey Abang has made a solemn declaration to respect as well as partner with journalists in the state in the discharge of his official assignments.
Addressing members of the fourth Estate of the Realm at the NUJ Press Centre Awka on Wednesday, the CP said it was of paramount importance that the police and journalists have a pact to enable them to foster inter-dependence, partnership, cooperation as well as mutual understanding.
Mr. Bassey who said he was not an armchair professional, maintained that he would ensure that journalists in the state were not maltreated by the rank and file cadre of the police force, cognisant that bad eggs abound in every profession including the Nigeria police.
He was of the opinion that journalists are purveyors of information, indispensable and very significant in the actualisation of a crime-free society.
According to him, the role of journalists could not be relegated to the background as the police operated on information and intelligence gathering.
The CP explained that he was currently on familiarisation tour of other sister agencies after which he would visit various Police Divisions, and emphasized that his partnership with journalists in Anambra State remained sacrosanct.
He however advised journalists to report cases of molestations by the Police to the State Command but tasked them to be objective and fair in their reports, urging them to detach themselves from sentiments and emotions in information dissemination.
Responding on behalf of the Union, the Anambra NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Emma Ifesinachi, applauded the Police Commissioner’s visit to the NUJ Secretariat.
He said journalists deserved the respect and recognition, considering the role they played in the Nation Building and Development.
Comrade Ifesinachi therefore assured the CP of maximum cooperation and support henceforth as both arms seek more robust collaborations and partnership, adding that the police shouldn’t hesitate to report to the union any journalist being irresponsible in his reportage.
The NUJ Council Chairman emphasized that journalists would not only make his stay in Anambra eventful but also a successful one.
He pointed out that journalists required a safe and secured environment to practise their profession as he believed that an atmosphere of insecurity made journalists endangered species.
