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Felix Uka
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Hope Urunwa Okafor, has urged journalists in the state to demonstrate greater commitment to developmental reporting in order to promote peace and progress in society.
Speaking when members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, paid her a courtesy visit at her office over the weekend, the police commissioner noted that journalism plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and fostering development.
Okafor, who revealed that she had previously practised journalism, said every story has different perspectives and advised journalists to focus more on angles that encourage peace, unity and development.
Describing journalism as a noble profession and journalists as watchdogs of society, she urged media practitioners to uphold the principles of objectivity, accuracy and professionalism in their work.
“Your job as journalists is very critical. It requires a sound mind and good conscience,” she said.
“You should discharge your duties professionally. Society should see that you have conducted yourselves above board in the performance of your responsibilities.”
The police commissioner also expressed concern over the negative perception some members of the public have about the Nigeria Police Force due to the misconduct of a few officers.
She urged the public not to judge the entire force by the actions of a handful of erring personnel, noting that many police officers have made significant sacrifices to protect lives and property across the country.
Okafor reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property in Ebonyi State and encouraged residents to promptly report security concerns within their communities for swift police response.
She described Ebonyi as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and solicited the continued cooperation of journalists in sustaining peace and combating crime in the state.
The commissioner stated that one of her key objectives is to curb criminal activities and other social vices before the end of her tenure in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Uchenna Inya, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and journalists as partners in societal development.
He commended the commissioner for her respect for human dignity and her prompt intervention in the recent case involving the alleged dehumanisation of a child by a prophet in Izzi Local Government Area.
According to Inya, the intervention led to the arrest of the prophet and other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
