Tracereporters –IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) commends the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Mr. Kenechukwu Onwuemelie for publicly apologizing for his officers’ unprofessional conduct at the Abia Breaking News (ABN) Television and Radio studio in Umuahia, on Tuesday, 16th January, 2024.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement, said that the CP offered the apology when he visited the studio on Thursday, 18th January, 2024.
In a press statement made available to Tracereporters in Kaduna signed by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, I-CSPJ said Some police personnel from Umuahia Area Command had invaded the studio on Tuesday, to carry out an arrest on one Mr. Donald Udensi, who was a guest during a live programme.
According to the statement, ”I-CSPJ had in the aftermath called on the Police to apologise for the breach while also demanding investigation and punishment for the alleged perpetrators.
“The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said, “the action taken by the Commissioner of Police to not only visit the studio but publicly apologise for the unprofessional conduct of the officers is quite commendable.”
“I-CSPJ however reiterates its call on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the officers concerned are punished for their unprofessional action. This will further ensure that other officers learn from this incident and the Police force will continue to build the right relationship with the media.
SGD:
Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, I-CSPJ
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org
