The Police Commissioner in Lagos State, CP Olorundare Jimoh, has described the media as a strong partner of the police in security architecture.
Jimoh stated this on Friday during is visit to the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), during its monthly congress at I-GP Mike Okiro’s Press Centre, GRA Ikeja.
According to him, crime and defence journalists are not like other people in the media profession; they cover war and riots, and follow police to some operations, even without bulletproof.
“Such people are not ordinary in security architecture. They are strong partners. They exposed crimes and rreportedto the public breakthrough made by security forces.
“I seek for more collaboration with you people. I do not say you should not write bad stories about the command, but please, hear my side first before going to the press.
“I will not fight for writing the truth as long as you get our side of the story. The fellow that writes bad stories against the command today, will also write good stories about us tomorrow.
“We are partner in progress. My office and the office of PPRO are open for you always to reach us concerning any matter,” he said.
Earlier, the President of CRAN, Mr Olalekan Olabulo, appreciated the CP for the visit, stressing that Jimoh was not a stranger to CRAN, as he has demonstrated a strong partnership with the association while he was the Force spokesperson.
Olabulo, who was represented by the Vice President of CRAN, Mrs Evelyn Usman, assured the CP of the association’s support.
He called on Jimoh to always respond to issues raised by journalists in good time so as not to leave them with information available to the public.
The president advised the CP to be wary of some people parading as CRAN members, stressing that when in doubt, CRAN leaders should be contacted.
