By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi has assured the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council of safety of journalists in the state in the build-up to the 2023 general elections in Lagos.
He gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by Lagos NUJ Executive members to the Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja on Thursday in Lagos.
Speaking during the courtesy call, Lagos NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, welcomed the Police Chief to Lagos, having been deployed from Bauchi State Police Command four months ago.
“Your impact is being felt in every part of Lagos since your arrival especially in the area of community policing.
“I can categorically say that crime rate has reduced drastically since you took over in Lagos” Ajayi said.
The NUJ chairman also urged the CP to expand the command’s safety net to protect journalists who were targets when discharging their constitutional duties.
“We seek the protection of our members during the build-up and electioneering of the 2023 general elections in Lagos State.
“We also expect the Police to dish out safety tips to members of the public before, during and after the elections, ” Ajayi said.
The NUJ chairman who reeled out the achievements of his administration, assured the Police leadership of maximum publicity of the command’s activities.
In his response, CP Abiodun Alabi described the visit as necessary and commendable as the Police and Media were partners in progress.
The Police Chief urged journalists in the state to see Police as partners in progress, saying that a quarterly media parley with members of the press was on the front burner.
“The goal of this parley is to help the Police rejig its security architecture through information from the media being the mirror of the society.
“We are aware that journalists are at high risk during electioneering but I can assure you that we will rise to the occasion as your protection is paramount” Alabi said.
“The Police need more synergy with the media especially in the area of information and intelligence, ” he noted.
Also in attendance was Lagos NUJ Secretary Mr. Tunde Olalere and other Exco members.
