We ‘ll make states under Zone 9 unlivable for criminals, AIG vows  Solicits media partnership

We ‘ll make states under Zone 9 unlivable for criminals, AIG vows

Solicits media partnership

By Steve Oko

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 9, Umuahia, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has declared the Zone uninhabitable for criminals, saying he has zero tolerance for criminals.

The AIG who read the riot act
when he received in audience the new leadership of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State, led by its Chairman, Deacon Steve Oko, vowed to smoke out criminal elements operating in the states under the zone.

AIG Uzuegbu, vowed that no part of the states in the zone would be ceded to criminals, ordering them to turn a new leaf or brace up for the worst.

He said that officers and men of the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, would continue to ensure the security of lives and property of residents in the zone.

The AIG assured residents of the states under the command of their security and safety particularly as the Yuletide approaches.

He, however, urged them to always volunteer to security agencies, useful information that could help track criminal elements.

Describing journalists as critical stakeholders in society, the police boss tasked them on ethical reporting.

Harping on developmental journalism, AIG Uzuegbu urged media practitioners to use their noble profession to engender peace and unity in society for the good of all.

He solicited the cooperation of media while pledging the willingness of the Police Command in the zone to work in harmony with journalists as partners in progress.

The AIG also tasked media practitioners on objectivity in their reportage, and advised them against fake news and sensationalism.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Deacon Oko, said the aim of the visit was to familiarise with the police hierarchy in the Zone for more harmonious relationship between the police and media practitioners.

Highlighting the need for collaboration between police and the press, Deacon Oko, urged the police to always see media practitioners as partners in progress, and not antagonists.

He explained that as watchdog of society, “media practitioners have both moral and constitutional responsibility to hold leaders accountable to the people”.

Oko commended the police for their sacrifices towards securing lives and property and urged them not to relent.

He, however, harped on the need for security operatives on duty particularly at checkpoints to be more agile and shun distractions so as not to put their lives at risk.

He also urged the police Authorities to checkmate any form of unprofessional conducts among their officers and men to boost their public image.

Other members of the Chapel Executive and stakeholders were present during the courtesy visit.