The newly appointed Public Relations officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundyin, visited the Secretariat of the Union of Journalists of Nigeria (NUJ), Federal Council of Capital Territories (FCT), looking for a stronger cooperation between the police and the media to build public confidence and improve national security.
CSP Hundyin, who happened to DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said he chose the Nuj FCT ​​council as his first point of scale due to the critical role of the media in society. He pointed out that his work as a police spokesman would be difficult without the support of journalists.
According to him, “I cannot succeed in this role without the collaboration of the press, I am here to seek their cooperation and collaboration and balanced reports because the domino effect of negative stories can damage public confidence in the police.
“The police depend largely on the information, the staff cannot be everywhere at the same time, so that the advice of people and shared intelligence is so important. But when the public loses confidence in us, those vital sources of information are dried, and that puts everyone at risk.
“In our part, we will continue doing everything possible to protect lives and properties, insecurity in a part of the country can affect the entire nation.”
Hundyin clarified that his message was not about controlling the press but of encouraging balanced and responsible reports.
“I am appealing you today, help us to generate trust. Let’s work together through open communication and the association to strengthen both the police and the country,” he said.
He also assured the journalists of just treatment while doing their duties, promising quick responses to any problem in front of their interactions with police officers.
Responding, the president of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, praised Hundeyin for making the secretariat of Nuj FCT ​​his first stop before assuming his national task and expressed the provision of the Council to work with him.
According to her, “on behalf of the Council of Nuj Fct, I welcome you, we really value this police effort to connect directly to the media. It shows its commitment to open a dialogue and better understanding.
“The NUJ FCT does not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation of journalists. Freedom of the press is a right, not a privilege, as journalists, we recognize the key role that police play in La Paz and the defense of the law. At the same time, the public needs timely, precise and honest information to have confidence in the police and other security agencies.
“That is why our relationship must be based on trust and cooperation, together, we can stop the spread of erroneous information and promote reports that help society move forward.”
Comrade Ike promised the support of the Council by working with the police for the public good.
According to her, “we are ready to associate with you, let’s ensure that information flows freely and responsible, so that both institutions can better serve people.”
Hundyin was received by Comrade Grace Ike together with other council members, including the secretary, Comrade Jide Oyakunle; Undersecretary, Mrs. Sharon Emefia; Auditor, Rosemary Ukoko-Tega; Financial Secretary, Henry Daniel Abimiku; Ex-official 1, Ebriku John Friday; and members of the Security Committee of the Council led by its president, Comrade Sunday Odita.
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