By Patrick Ochei
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Edafe Bright has said that the media is indispensable in the operations of the Nigeria Police in curbing crimes and criminality, maintaining that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), as the umbrella body of all media practitioners in the State has remained a veritable partner to the Police towards prosecuting the war against insecurity.
He made this assertion when he paid a friendly working visit on the Union’s Executive in the State on Tuesday 10th January, 2023, at the Press Centre in Asaba, where he underscored the importance of Journalists in righting the wrongs of not just the Police but every stratum of the society.
While sympathising with the NUJ on what media practitioners go through in carrying out their constitutional roles, the PPRO affirmed that both the Police and the Media are like orphans, suffering neglect and aspersions in a bid to make sacrifices for the betterment of society.
Placing their constitutional functions side by side, Mr. Edafe said, while the Police is saddled with the internal security of the nation, the Media has the onerous task of revealing the ills of the society and putting government functionaries on their toe to do the right things.
Delivering the message of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Mohammed Ali, the PPRO said the Command holds the NUJ and her members in high esteem and would continue to maintain the already existing cordial relationship between them.
He said, “The CP sees you as a partner in progress. He can never take you for granted, and that is why he has open door policy for the media at the Command.
“We have the synergy already, and that presupposes that you are part of us. Forget what some of our men do outside, it is the bad orientation that they have chosen for themselves that oftentimes drive their actions. But let me assure you that the Police authority is on top of its game to correct the misdemeanours of some of our officers with a view to punishing those who violate the law. We need the NUJ leadership to also join us in correcting these anomalies on all sides. We need a sound society to breed a sound Police Force and other security agencies”, PPRO posited.
In his response, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu welcomed the PPRO and his entourage to the Press Centre while appreciating him immensely for visiting.
He said since the elevation of Edafe to the exalted position of PPRO, he has distinguished himself in PR policy thrust of the Police, and in character, media relations and proactive responses to Journalists seeking confirmation of information.
His words, “On behalf of the Delta State Council of NUJ, I welcome you to the Press Centre. I thank you immensely for this august visit, and I must confess that we are not taking this for granted.
“We have PPROs before now, but you have proven to be very remarkable and outstanding in your performance. Even the testimonies from our members are enough to positively qualify your person and the personality you have brought into the Public Relations job.
“Thank you for looking for us to make your friends; it is not only Journalists that should be looking for people to make friendship with. You have shown that we are important to your job, I must also accord you same regard as we tag along in this symbiotic relationship.
“The CP has done well in policing Delta and bursting crimes here and there. However, he should work harder to discipline erring officers who are breaking the rules of engagements against the professional lay down of the Police. There are a few that are giving the Police a bad name, but when they are not disciplined to serve as deterrent to others, their actions will just end up destroying the image and reputation of the Police institution. We are not praying for that because, the Police is highly important for the internal security integrity of our dear country.
“We will continue to support you and the activities of your office. When you need us, just call on us and we will answer”, the Chairman assured.
