… Cautions against politicisation of crime
By Mfonobong Ukpong
For the police to achieve effective Policing of Akwa Ibom State, the media community in the state has a role to play in sustenance of peace, unity of the state and a safe society. Commissioner of Police, CP Don Awuna, delivered the advise, Wednesday in Uyo during a familiarisation visit/media parley at the NUJ Press centre.
Making reference to what he observed as screaming headlines and sensationalism in the reportage of recent crime incidents in some parts of the state, particularly the murder case in Ukanafun, the Police boss advised the media to always promote communal interest above other interests while reporting crime news in their medium.
“The press here is very vibrant. This vibrancy should not be used to sow seed of discord, but to encourage our people on the need to live as one”.
“The press must see itself as agent of change and social re engineering. We must guard against politicisation of crime, and personal interest above communal interest”.
Accompanied by members of the Police management team, Mr. Awunah solicited for cooperation and understanding from the media community in the state, saying he was in the state for service and needed the support and cooperation of the press.
Speaking on recent spate of killings in Ukanafun, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that several arrests have been made in connection with the crime committed in the area.
“We have made a lot of arrest and people are in court already. Preliminary investigation on the recent incident is about a tussle over village headship. The young man killed in barbing saloon is linked to cult war. We have deployed all our men to Ukanafun.
When it comes to administration of justice, the Police, the court system and witness play critical role. Ukanafun is not as dangerous as people are saying
Akwa Ibom Police Command is prepared to make sure that you sleep well and be safe”.
He listed visibility of policing, Police patrol, intelligence gathering and information sharing from members of the public as measures adopted by the police in combating crime in the state. He urged members of the public to always share information with the Police that would enable it burst crime in the state.
Reacting, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Patrick Albert, commended the Police Commissioner and his team for the visit, and hailed the police in the state for displaying professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He observed that the Awunah led leadership of the police command in the state was in tune with modern policing, and assured of the readiness of the media community in the state to partner the police in ensuring a safe and better society for all.
“You represent the modern police man and modern policing. In you we have seen that the police man is our friend “
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