Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa has called for media collaboration in the quest to make the society safe and peaceful for people to live and engage in their lawful activities.
He made the call during an interaction with the new Executives of the Correspondents Chapel, Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), that paid him a courtesy visit at the State Police Command Headquarters, Umuahia.
The CP, who received the delegagion, along with the top echelon of the State Command, stated that media collaboration forms a critical component of security strategy, given the role of journalists in the dissemination of information to the public.
He described journalists as principal partners, noting that professional journalists in Abia have consistently stood by the truth and fairness in their reportage and partnership with the Police.
Isa acknowledged that security agencies have a responsibility to regularly update the media on developments within the state, adding that all necessary support and collaboration would be strengthened for effective coverage of the command.
“The media have remained supportive, even during challenging moments, the command would continue to encourage synergy and an excellent working relationship with journalists,” the CP Isa stated.
He also commended journalists in the state for their commitment and professionalism, reitereted that from time to time journalists are invited for press briefing on what they have done and what they are doing. He said it gives the opportunity to interrogate issues of public interest.
The Commissioner assured the media of the command’s readiness to work closely with them and support their success stating that
we are all here to serve the state and the public expect a lot from everyone.
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of Correspondents Chapel, Deacon Steve Oko, explained that the courtesy visit was initiated to introduce the new executives and familiarize with the Command’s hierarchy.
He pointed out that it would be extremely difficult for journalists to discharge their professional duties effectively if the environment was muddled up with insecurity.
The Correspondents leader lauded the Abia State Police Command for working hard work to ensure the security of lives and property thereby making God’s own state one of the safest in the country.
“I am not a praise singer. I am a critic by nature. However, it is evident that security has improved across the state, and we want to commend you and other security agencies for the progress recorded,” Oko said.
“A safe and conducive environment is essential for journalists to operate effectively,” he added.
The Chapel Chairman said that Correspondents quite understand their role in the society and would continue to serve humanity diligently through their various media organisations.
He regretted that most often the Command do not usually carry members of the Correspondents Chapel along in press conferences, saying that lapses would create gaps in effective coverage of the state as is required of Correspondents.
Oko assured the Abia police boss of sustained support of Correspondents for him and the Command as they strive to keep criminal elements at bay so that residents of Abia would continue to close their eyes while sleeping.
