The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, has reiterated to need to sustain the relationship between the Nigerian Police Force and the media, saying it is the only to ensure peace and security in the land, especially Lagos State.Â
CP Adegoke made the remarks when he hosted the members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), led by its president, Samson Oki, in his office on Wednesday.Â
Adegoke, who was posted to Lagos on December 11, 2023, as the 39th CP of Lagos State, to replace Idowu Owohunwa, who was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General, noted that it was imperative he receive the members of the Association first as their influence in broadcasting security related reports, especially as it concerns the Police continues to make waves.
“NAOSNP as an online body of publishers is reputed as fastest means of news dissemination,” Adegoke said.
The Commissioner of Police further harped on confirmation of stories before publication, noting that he will always exhibit transparency in his activities while he remain in charge.
While pledging never to run a secretive administration, Adegoke declared that his not against the reportage of any stories, but will prefer it is well verified first.
“Your constructive criticism will help us do better in our daily activities. Just let every report about us be the fact. Our collaboration and partnership is saddled on serving the interest of the public, not subverting or covering up facts,” he said.
In addition, he confirmed that the journalists and the police are performing almost the same type of duties, which borders on service to the public.
“Again, Lagos safety and security are our primary objectives. These breed economic prosperity and employment. With economic prosperity, crime rate will drop,” Adegoke concluded.
In his response, Mr Oki thanked the CP for the honour bestowed on the Association, and pledged to work with him as the Association has been working with the previous CPs. He also appreciated the CP for his no nonsense attitude in the discharge of his duties, taking into cognizance the immediate removal of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who detained a lawyer for attempting to bail his client.
NAOSNP is a group of prominent online publishers, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace, safety and security in the nation through verified security reportage.
E-signed:
Eric ElezuoÂ
National Public Relations OfficerÂ