From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia…
The correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia state Council has appeal to the Abia commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie to appeal to his officers who are in the habit of harassing and manhandling journalists while on duty to stop the maltreatment.
The Chairman of the Chapel, Sam Obinna Ibe stated this when he led his executive and some members of the chapel on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police.
He disclosed that a journalist in the state recently was beaten up in one of the banks while interviewing customers on the effect of the NLC strike on them.
The Correspondents Chairman noted that the journalist was only carrying out his duty and ought to be protected by police, instead of being beaten up with his camera taken away from him.
He used the occasion to commend the Police Commissioner for his proactiveness in ensuring the reduction of insecurity in the state, adding that Abians now sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Your coming to Abia is not just strategic, but divine, you have shown commitment, security has drastically improved and we are no longer witnessing violent crimes as it used to be before your coming”.
He maintained that the situation is a boost to the administration of Governor Alex Otti and at a time the governor was wooing investors into the state.
He further commended the massive renovation taking place at the police command adding that the police needs a conducive atmosphere to operate.
Ibe revealed that it was on record that any Commissioner of Police that comes to Abia has always been lucky as they leave the state with a higher rank wishing the commissioner same privilege.
The Chapel Chairman appealed to the commissioner to always carry the Chapel along in his activities, adding that it was not good when some journalists are invited for their events and parade of criminals while other journalists will not be invited who will later hear about it and still struggle to write the report because of the importance attached to Police report.
He said, “Correspondents have an office, identity, are trained, and are not faceless’.
He added that some of the online reporters are not trained but became an emergency reporter with their Android phone as he regreted that most members of the public do not know the difference and regard and treat all as a journalists.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie said he was aware of how tasking the journalist job is and assured that he will at all times partner with the Chapel.
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