The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has lauded online media practitioners for being relevant in stimulating public discourse and mainstreaming veritable and timely dissemination of information.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu gave this commendation on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at a Media Chat with online media practitioners under the aegis of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) at the Command Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Disu stressed that policing is the responsibility of every citizen, charged members of OMPAN to exhibit professionalism in their reportage.

“Just one news from you have to do with our mental health as security officers; and it has to do with our well-being as well, the moral of officers.”

He appealed for public support for the Police, emphasizing that members of the public should volunteer credible and timely information to aid the efforts of the Police in securing lives and properties of the citizenry.

“We need a lot of encouragement. Yes, once in a while, we have one or two wrong things about us, highlight it. That is why we gave out numbers for you to be able to call and tell us if our men are doing things they are not supposed to do. We will work on it.

“At the same time, we are having sleepless nights, we are sacrificing a lot as police officers. And we are achieving a lot; and we are paying with our lives. Also, talk about our achievements as well. That will encourage us to do more.

“Ensure you do responsible journalism, verify your stories before throwing it out. Social media is a new world, a new influence. As I mentioned earlier, crime-fighting is the responsibility of everybody.”

Earlier, National Treasurer of OMPAN, Juachi Ochu had congratulated the Rivers State police chief on his recent award as the Commissioner of Police of the Year, stating that OMPAN is positively disposed to partnering with the State Police Command to create a healthy environment with its objective reportage.

Ochu said OMPAN has the obligation to feed members with current and accurate reports of events as they occur in the society, assuring the State Police Commissioner of the association’s support in curbing fake news and propaganda.

“We are not a stooge to anybody or politician in the state and outside the state; neither are we an attack dog to any person or government. We maintain our neutrality in our reportage.

“Sir, since your deployment to Rivers State, we have known, we have seen, and witnessed the rate at which crime has reduced drastically in the state.

“And we know that it is not because the state decides to be like that, we know those behind the success; it is through your hard work. We need to give you commendation for this sacrifice.”

“We know how you have been tackling fake news, false news, and propaganda in the State. We are here to assure and tell you no member of OMPAN is a fake news carrier. We verify our reports and think of their impacts on the society.

Also speaking, Chairman of OPMAN, Rivers State Chapter, Chidiebele Okoye described CP Disu as a “highly professional officer”, commending him for maintaining his apolitical stance in the discharge of his functions in Rivers State.

“OMPAN can categorically say that nobody would say whether the CP is siding with this particular party or the other. People see CP as someone who is focused on fighting crime.

“In the last five months, we all know what has happened in this state. All the wanted criminals, who were difficult to get have been gunned down. So, we must commend you for that. And that is why we came because we want partnership with the command.”