Delta police boss commends democratic policing, warns against hate speech

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim has commended the “democratic policing” introduced by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, saying it would strengthen the force.

He made the commendation yesterday in Asaba, when members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him.Ibrahim said the policy would change the public image of the police and stop it from being “looked down upon.”

He urged journalists not to publish unverified reports, adding that the police rely on the public for useful information.He warned against hate speeches, adding: “They portend further crises to the current insecurity challenges rocking the country. There is the need for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.”

The commissioner said the synergy between the police and the press could not be ignored in the task of law enforcement.“As the fourth estate of the realm, your role would help in information gathering and useful sources for the police to work with. The press is a vital tool and credible platform meant for the nation’s building.

“Unemployment among the youths is the reason for the prevalence of crimes in the state, hence I have introduced whistleblowing measures to address the strategies of hoodlums and men of the underworld. We must expose incorrect whistleblowing, but extend it to all areas so that the police could know how far they have failed.”

He advised journalists to help in building the nation, rather than engaging in destructive and unethical practices that could endanger the country.According to him, the negative image that a section of the media has given to the country could discourage foreign investors.

Ibrahim warned politicians against overheating the polity ahead of the 2019 general elections.The Chairman of the chapel, Mr. Paul Osuji said the visit was to establish a formal working relationship with the police, especially on information dissemination.