Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has emphasized that Nigerian journalists are professionals who deserve respect, not to be treated as beggars.
He made this statement during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council congress in Abuja, highlighting the importance of a stronger police-media partnership.
Disu used the platform to correct misconceptions about the role of journalists in society, stressing that they should not be demeaned or treated as if they were seeking favors. Instead, they should be accorded the full dignity of professionals.
Key highlights of Disu’s address bothered on the following:
- Respect for Journalists: Disu stated that journalists play a critical role in informing the public and contributing to national development. Their work is essential for democracy and governance.
- Mutual Relationship: He emphasized that his relationship with the media has always been built on mutual respect and professionalism, noting that journalists are partners in progress, not adversaries.
- Police-Media Partnership: The IGP called for a stronger collaboration between the police and the media, recognizing that effective communication helps in maintaining public trust and security.
- Rejecting Misconceptions: He cautioned against the tendency to treat journalists as beggars, insisting that they deserve the same professional recognition as other fields.
Disu’s comments are particularly important in Nigeria’s current climate, where journalists often face challenges such as intimidation, lack of access to information, and societal undervaluation. By affirming their professional status, the IGP is:
- Promoting press freedom and encouraging respect for journalism as a cornerstone of democracy.
- Strengthening institutional trust between the police and the media, which can improve public safety reporting.
- Challenging stereotypes that undermine the credibility and dignity of journalists.
In a broader Implication, this statement aligns with global calls for press freedom and journalist protection, especially in regions where media practitioners face risks. It also reflects a progressive stance by Nigeria’s police leadership, signaling openness to transparency and accountability.
IGP Disu’s declaration is a strong endorsement of journalism as a respected profession, urging society and institutions to treat journalists with dignity and to foster collaboration for national development.
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