The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi, has assured journalists in the state of their safety before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
Alabi gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the executive members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council.
He described the visit as necessary and commendable as the Police and media were partners in progress.
Alabi urged journalists in the state to see Police as partners in progress, stressing that quarterly media parley with journalists was on the front burner.
“The goal of this parley is to help the Police rejig its security architecture through information from the media; being the mirror of the society.
“We are aware that journalists are at high risk during electioneering but I can assure you that we will rise to the occasion as your protection is paramount.
“The Police need more synergy with the media especially in the area of information and intelligence,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Lagos NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, welcomed the Police chief to Lagos, having been deployed from Bauchi State Police Command four months ago.
“Your impact is being felt in every part of Lagos since your arrival, especially in the area of community policing.
“I can boldly say that crime rate has reduced drastically since you took over in Lagos,” he said.
“We seek the protection of our members during the build-up and electioneering of the 2023 general elections in Lagos State.
“We also expect the Police to dish out safety tips to members of the public before, during and after the elections,” Ajayi said.
The NUJ chairman, who reeled out the achievements of his administration, assured the Police boss maximum publicity of the command’s activities.
Also present during the visit were, the NUJ State Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere; Mrs Adeola Ekine, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos Chairperson; and other executive members of the state council.