• CP Azare
By Itoro Bassey
The Commissioner of Police for the Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr. Baba Mohammed Azare, has urged citizens to support and cooperate with the police in order to enhance policing and improve law enforcement.
CP Azare made this appeal on Tuesday, January 16, during his first visit to the Press Centre in Uyo, where he addressed members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, who were gathered for their January Congress.
Azare, who recently resumed as the 34th Commissioner of Police in the State, emphasised that the police force needs the support of public-spirited individuals, including the media, to maintain and uphold the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
“Our doors are open. The Police Public Relations Officer and I have shared our contact numbers.
“We have also distributed the phone numbers of the deputy commissioners of police, assistant commissioners of police, and all the divisional police officers (DPOs) and tactical commanders of the Command, so that in case of any distress, members of the public can reach out to us.
“We shared our contact numbers to improve our accessibility to the public and enhance our ability to serve them effectively. Our response time is five minutes; we aim to arrive at any distress call within that timeframe because lives are at stake”.
The police chief emphasised that the force would remain steadfast in its mission to eliminate criminal activity and protect the lives and property of citizens.
He urged journalists to adhere closely to the principle of balanced reporting, as outlined in their professional ethics.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, praised CP Azare for his effective approach to combating crime, noting that it has positively influenced public perceptions of the police.
Etuk reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to fostering a strong collaboration with the police, expressing confidence that the relationship between law enforcement officers and journalists would continue to strengthen over time.
He expressed his gratitude to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, for her cooperation with journalists, noting that she takes a proactive approach in her role.
