“Media remains partners in progress with the police and you’re the voice of the people and Online media practitioners have an edge over other media groups” ,these were the exact words of Abia State Commissioner of Police,CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie.
CP Kenechukwu also said:”You need some level of recognition over mainstream media who is now following online media practice in their stations activities”.
The Commissioner during a courtesy visit to his office by the members of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria,OMPAN,Abia State Chapter, urged OMPAN to beware of unpleasant encounters where reports about Police officer’s conduct will be carried out , saying the awareness and sensitisation with numbers of various Police divisions is expected to go viral so as to enable the public report issues and dealings with the Police on those dedicated phone numbers.
He advised them to keep on improving on the measures on ground to ensure peace and stability is achieved in the State .
He commended the chairman of the association, Promise Uzoma Okoro for his choice of questions and boldness during the last governor’s press briefing, saying such questions are vital .
“We need to be partners in progress”,he said.
He also promised to collaborate with OMPAN while he added that they should not to hesitate to make enquiries about some doubtful informations about the command whenever they come across them.
Earlier in his speech,the Chairman of Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria,Promise Uzoma Okoro said the courtesy call was for Three reasons which is mainly to show visibility,establish relationships and as well help in fighting fake news and crimes in the State .
He added that Abia State Police Command under Kenechukwu Onwuemelie has enjoyed a relative peace, adding that the progress has endeared the CP to OMPAN.
He however noted that the Commissioner’s quick intervention in the issue of Police attack at OMPAN member(ABN TV’s office) showed responsibility and his kind and press friendly gestures.
Uzoma however stressed that the impact of social media in the present Nigeria will never be overemphasized as the members of the association is duty bound to help the Command fight Fake news and other ills bedevilling the society.
He believes that building synergy with online media practitioners will go along way in projecting Abia State police Command, while he assures that the association will continue to support Police activities in the State by not carrying any unsubstantiated news reportage as a professional body.
He further thanked the Commissioner of Police for the arrest of the Kidnappers of ABSU lecturer and that of the man who shot dead the 500 level student of Abia State University Uturu.
While congratulating the commissioner,he encouraged him to continue trading on the part which he has followed since inception into the State.
