The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Danmallam Mohammed has presented an Award of Excellence to the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.
Mohammed presented the award on Thursday in Enugu when the newly-elected executive members of the chapel led by Mr Emma Nweze paid him a courtesy visit., according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
He described the press as `worthy partners’ in the fight against crime, adding that journalists in the state were a huge part of the success stories recorded by the police.
“Police and journalists are partners in progress because we recognise the role of the press in investigations of crime.
“We need your partnership in the job we do,” he said.
The commissioner said that the Police Command in the state was not unmindful of the crisis that existed in the chapel but commended the members for its peaceful resolution.
He appealed to members of the chapel to ensure peace at all times, adding that aggrieved members should sheathe their sword.
“I want to congratulate you for conducting a successful election. We know the people we will work with to keep the state safe and secure,” he said.
The Chairman of the Chapel, Mr Emma Nweze, thanked the commissioner for the age-long cordial relationship that had existed between the press and the police in the state.
Nweze said that journalists in the state would continue to collaborate with the police to reduce incidences of crime.
“We need one another to do our duties and fight the ills in the society.
“We are for peace and progress of our members and are here to get your fatherly advice and blessings,” Nweze said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officials of the chapel had earlier paid a courtesy visit on the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe.
Anikwe assured that the state government would continue to partner with the media to engender even development and good governance in the state.
He described the press as `a frontline partner’ , adding that the State Government was not unmindful of its roles in the democratic process.
The commissioner said it was sad that the Correspondents Chapel had been enmeshed in an avoidable leadership crisis and commended efforts of the state governor in resolving the crisis.
He said that the governor as a firm believer in peace and unity, held the media in high esteem which underscored his fatherly intervention.
“We appreciate the tremendous efforts put in by the governor to ensure there is peace in your chapel and we believe that peace must reign in the state.
“The government will work with you to ensure even dissemination of information,” he said.
The South-East NUJ Vice President, Mr Chris Isiguzo, expressed appreciation for the governor’s fatherly intervention which led to the resolution of the contentious issues.
Isiguzo said that it was necessary to introduce members of the new executive to the commissioner to ensure a good working relationship.