Police, media partnership ‘ll engender peace -Ondo CP

By Michael Ofulue & Tola Gbadamosi
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The need for the media and the security agencies especially the police to partner in ensuring sustainable peace in Ondo state has been stressed.

The media and the police need to work collaboratively in solving crime-related issues happening in the state.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr Undie Adie, stated this  during an interactive session with members of the Ondo state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Adie posited that the role of journalists in information dissemination could not be overemphasized.

The Police boss, who used the occasion to commend journalists in the state for wide coverage of police activities, urged them to always verify their information before rushing to the press.

He added that the media are at liberty of calling the police to cross-check any information to assist them publish authentic news devoid of bias and speculations.

According to him, “There are reports in the online media that painted the state in a bad image, saying the incidents of kidnappings, ritual killings, rape and stealing of female underwears were rampant in the state.

“Such reports are untrue as the writer painted it. The few reported cases of those crime were busted by his men, “he said.

He explained that there are tactical operations going on to tackle heinous crimes happening in the state, assuring the general public that police is not relenting in its efforts at nipping crime and criminality in the bud.

His words,” if we have not done well, feel free to call us to order. And if we have done well, commend us .

“There is no society that is absolutely free from crime and criminality. Our doors are open to everyone to call us in time of any challenge and I can assure you that we will respond adequately.”

Adie, while lamenting on some negative online reports about the security situation of the state, urged the leadership of the Union to assist in correcting those negative information about the crime situation in the state, saying such reports are tantamount to creating bad impression about the state which he said is relatively peaceful.

In his remarks, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Aderoboye Adetona appreciated the police boss for recognising the role of media in information dissemination and for hosting the leadership of the union and its members which has opened door for effective partnership between the two institutions.

He stated that the state Police Command and the NUJ in the state have been having a long term relationship, saying the interactive session will further strengthen and described journalists in the state as professionals through the manner in which they have been carrying out their jobs.

Adetona, who opined that the police must be ready to partner with the media for proper information management, enjoined the police authority to cultivate the habit of giving full recognition to journalists anywhere they met, especially when travelling on highways.

He enjoined the police boss not to hesitate in calling the leadership of the Union to issues concerning any unbias reports and unprofessional conducts of any of its members, saying there are ways of handling such reports.