Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya has pledged to partner with journalists to safeguard the state.
This was as she condemned assaults on some teenagers and a journalist in the state, Chinedu Ngwuta, by some members of the public and some policemen on duty.
Receiving members of Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state led by Comrade Uchenna Inya, in her office at the police headquarters, Abakaliki, the state capital, Uche-Anya described journalists and policemen as partners in progress in the task of securing the nation through effective policing and information dissemination.
She implored the Journalists to be investigative and objective in their reportage.
The CP frowned at assault on two teenage girls in Ngbom, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state who were stripped naked and flogged for stealing chicken, and ordered that the suspects who are in police custody be prosecuted, describing it as barbaric.
“How can you naked two secondary school girls and treat them like common criminals. These are young girls and they were flogged mercilessly because they stole chicken when people who committed heinous crimes were not treated like this.
“The suspects are already in our custody. We are making efforts to get the families and others so that they can give evidence in court because matters like this, people are usually reluctant or afraid to give evidence. Once we are done, the suspects will be prosecuted,” she stated.
She also condemned the attack on online TV broadcast Journalist in the state, Chinedu Ngwuta, by a policeman attached to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, after a road walk organised by her and directed that the matter be investigated.
“I am not aware of this Journalist issue you just brought to my knowledge. We are employed to protect lives and properties and not to assault people.
“I thank you for bringing this matter to my knowledge and I will not sweep it under the carpet, I will surely look into it. I don’t tolerate anything bad and a civilian, I don’t,” the police commissioner said.
Uche-Anya promised a hitch-free yuletide period in the state and urged members of the public to report criminal activities and the elements to the police for prompt action.
Earlier, the Chairman of Correspondents Chapel in the state, comrade Uchenna Inya, lauded her for the peace in the state and urged her to ensure that Ebonyi remains safe.
He explained that the courtesy visit will strengthen the relationship between the police and the press as partners in progress and urged policemen to always see journalists as such and not as enemies.
Inya, the state correspondent of Daily Sun Newspapers, commended the Commissioner for professionalism and the sanity she has brought to the state police command within the few months she came in.
