By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderemi Adeoye has described journalists in the state as critical partners in the fight against crimes and criminalities.
He praised the journalists for always communicating to the public activities of the command targeted at reducing crime to its barest minimum.
Adeoye spoke at the April Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, where members held an interactive session with him ahead of his retirement next month.
The interactive session was conceived and organized by the council to avail the CP opportunity to present the scorecard of his services and success stories, as well as parley with journalists before finally bowing out after 35years of meritorious service.
The Police Commissioner, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Akin Fakorede, listed some of his achievements to include improved human relations and welfare in the police force, thereby restoring confidence in the force.
He appreciated NUJ in the State for commencing activities marking his retirement with the programme, attributing part of the successes he recorded to the robust relationship he enjoyed with members of the NUJ in the state.
He disclosed that the Police command was putting up strategies to put an end to killings and kidnappings in Awka and environs, which he admitted have resurged.
Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, while giving an overview of activities of the command under the CP, noted that there has been a boost in the police-community relationship since after series of meetings between the command and various communities in the state.
“The police has been embarking on raids in some criminal hideouts which has resulted in arrest of many notorious suspects which has restored peace in most parts of the state.
“The CP expanded the scope of intelligence and information gathering under his administration, which led to bursting many gangs and recovery of many arms and ammunition hitherto in the hands of criminals,” he added.
Earlier, State NUJ Chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka hailed the CP for the turn of events in the state since last year he assumed duty, especially in terms of security of lives and property, as well as relative peace he has restored to the state.
He prayed God to bless the CP with long life in good health, just as he appealed to the CP to always be available whenever his advice was needed to tackle any security situation in the state and country at large.
