By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi state, Mrs. Hope Urunwa Okafor, weekend charged journalists in the state to uphold professionalism, objectivity and accuracy in the discharge of their duties.
Okafor gave the charge when members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi state council, paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Abakaliki.
The CP, who described journalism as a noble profession, said media practitioners occupy strategic positions as watchdogs of the society and therefore must conduct themselves above board at all times.
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“Your job as journalists is very critical; it requires sound mind and good conscience.
“You should discharge your duties professionally. You should be seen to have lived above board in your duties by the society,” she stated.
She, however, condemned the negative impression some members of the public have about the police due to the misconduct of a few officers, insisting that the attitude of such officers should not be used to judge the entire force.
According to her, many officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force have continued to make huge sacrifices in securing lives and property across the country.
The police boss reiterated her commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state and urged residents to always report security concerns in their areas for prompt police response.
While describing Ebonyi as one of the most peaceful states in the country, Okafor expressed concern over rising murder cases in some communities and pledged to tackle the ugly trend.
She solicited the cooperation of journalists in combating criminality and sustaining peace in the state.
Earlier, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel in the state, Comrade Uchenna Inya, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and journalists as partners in progress.
Inya commended the CP for her respect for human dignity and her swift intervention in the alleged dehumanisation of a child by a prophet in Izzi local government area of the state, which led to the arrest of the suspect and others involved in the act.
