Ibadan – The Oyo State Police Command has pledged to ensure adequate security for residents during the forthcoming general elections.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
He said that the command had put a number of measures in place to guarantee the safety of residents, including journalists who would be on duty during the elections.
“Like every other Nigerian, journalists on duty during the elections are assured of adequate protection,” he said.
He, however, enjoined members of the public, including journalists, to show respect to the police, saying, “respect begets respect.’’
“As a police officer, my duty is, however, to render quality service to the nation,” Ajisebutu said.
He also said his visit to NAN was to boost the synergy between the state police command and the agency.
“My visit to your office is to seek support for the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Musa Katsina, as the role of the media cannot be underestimated,’’ he said.
He said that the existing relationship between the police and journalists in the state would be nurtured through mutual understanding of the job requirements of both parties.
Ajisebutu also confirmed the ban on road blocks, saying some members of the public often misinterpret the concept and usage of the term.
Also speaking on the ongoing strike of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), he said the development had no negative impact on the duties of the police, especially in arresting offenders.
“Suspects are being arrested and being released on bail for bailable offences,” Ajisebutu said.
The Zonal Manager of the agency, Mr Mufutau Ojo, said the agency remains committed to its editorial policy as national purveyor of news while espousing the public good.
He also said a tremendous transformation of the agency was ongoing under the present management and urged the police high command to access NAN’s diverse bouquet of services.
Ojo, however, urged the police to always create access for information gathering and clarification of issues through a deliberate process of promoting transparency.