UYO
The new commissioner of police, Akwa Ibom Police Command has spoken of the need to further foster the relationship between the media and the police in the state.
CP Waheed Ayilara stated this during a meeting to interface and familiarise with the heads of media organisations and journalists in the state at an event tagged: “CP’s Dinner Meet With Media Friends”, which took place at the Police Officers’ Mess, Uyo, Friday.
CP Ayilaratasked Journalists on the need for objective and factual reportage such that the State and country are not portrayed in bad light.
The police commissioner, who pledged to rid the State of criminals, sued for cooperation from the public and support to Gov Umo Eno to actualise the vision concerning security.
“The Police are here to serve the good people of Akwa Ibom State and we need your cooperation.Policingis community-based because the criminals are living among us. Cooperate with us and the government by giving us the chance to perform.
“Journalists please help the police to appeal to people to obey the laws because by obeying the laws, the lifestyle of criminality will be reduced drastically”.
“The State government under Governor Umo Eno is trying its best for the people of Akwa Ibom State and we need to support them to succeed.Bythis I mean that all the security agencies in the State should work together to actualise the vision of the governor in the area of security.
“On our part, we have vouched to deal decisively with perpetrators of crime and I’m using this medium to warn them to desist from it forthwith or be ready to face the penalty”.
The commissioner for information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, described the meeting as apt and appropriate as it would further cement the existing relationship between the media and the police in the State.
Ememobong suggested that the meeting should not be a one off gathering, but a regular one where the Police will have ample opportunities to brief the media on certain happenings or developments.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Timfon John, maintained that in order to make Akwa Ibom State a crime-free community, security must be seen as everybody’s business where citizens will help the Police to report every suspicious movement around their vicinity.
In his remarks, the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, thanked the commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, for hosting the media managers.
Etuk described the meeting as first of its kind and pledged the Union’s determination to continually work with the Police to rid the State of criminals, as well as extend same support to the new PPRO, ASP Timfon John to succeed, especially as she is the first indigenous police officer holding that office.
“As the 32nd commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom State, who has served the State for three consecutive times, I want to thank you for this opportunity.Thisis the first time that we are having this kind of interactive session.
“You have broken the ice and it shows a new innovation on succeeding personalities that have occupied that office. I can see a bond.Ifwe have this kind of synergy between the Police, Ministry of Information, NUJ and media organizations in Akwa Ibom State, this will reduce the friction that we always have with the Police.
“I want to assure you that what we have laid today as a foundation will grow to enhance the unity of Akwa Ibom, foster the security that you are pursuing and work in the light of a positive image for the State.
“This synergy today will lead Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council to very greater heights”.
The event, which was anchored by the immediate past Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Akwa Ibom State Command, and chief of staff to the police commissioner,CSPOdikoMacdon, had in attendance the new PPRO, ASP Timfon John,heads of media organisations and selected journalists in Akwa Ibom State as well as members of the State Working Committee of the NUJ.
Discussion about this post