Delta Police Command Seeks Partnership With NUJ

By Patrick Ochei

The Delta State Command of the Nigerian Police Force is seeking partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council.

This was contained in the proposal of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Mohammed Ali, which he revealed to members of the pen profession when he visited the Press Centre of the State Council at DDPA Housing Estate, Asaba on July 6, 2021, to discuss modalities for the partnership.

CP Ari commended members of the fourth estate of the realm for adequately reporting him and the operations of the Command since he assumed office early this year.

He said he came to familiarise with the umbrella body of Journalists in the state in the interest of oneness to form a partnership that would engender more successes in his crime fighting agenda.

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The Police Chief posited that all over the world, about 70 percent of policing activities is left in the hand of members of the public, while the police operate with about 30 percent.

According to him, “We cannot do much without the collaboration of the media. Fine, you have been there for us, but we need to synergize more. We are all active partners and participants in policing. This is what the concept of community policing is all about.

“On this note, I appeal that you report us objectively by always striving to get our own side of the story. You must know that any damage done to one Police officer is a damage done to the entire Police Force”, CP Ari stressed.

Responding, the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu affirmed that CP Ari Mohammed had demonstrated a rare quality by his visit to the NUJ Press Centre.

His words, “You have demonstrated disposition to crime fighting since your arrival in Delta State and we are proud of you. You have not only been dogged and committed to crime fighting, you have kept your word over the recent threat to the peace of Delta by alleged Fulani Jihadists.

“Let me use this medium to condole with the Command over the killings of Police officers and burning of police stations across the state in recent times.

“You have asked for partnership; however, we have always partnered the Command, especially in reporting your activities and publishing your releases. Nevertheless, let me assure you that we will sustain the relationship already established and take it higher than where it is presently.

“You must also reciprocate our gesture by protecting and treating our members with respect. We don’t take the security of our members for granted, and so you must do us the favour of ensuring that our members are insulated from intimidation and harassment by your officers and men while carrying out their journalistic functions”, Ikeogwu stated.

The chairman equally commended the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright for exhibing high level of professionalism and proactiveness since mounting the saddle.