By Queen Kunde
The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Ukachi Peter Opara, Tuesday, payed a visit on Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Taraba State Council.
The commissioner who was in company of the State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, SP Abdullahi Usman and other officers of the command, interfaced with journalists in the state at Press Center Jalingo
In his remarks, the CP said he had decided to make NUJ one of the first institutions to visit on his tour because of the critical role journalists play in any given society.
He said he was at the Press Center to familiarize with NUJ and seek for support of journalists in the state for better policing of Taraba State.
CP Ukachi Peter who described journalists as age-long partners in progress, pledged that the relationship would surely continue in a more robust way as long as he remain in the state.
He called for constructive and responsible reportage among journalists and a harmonious working relationship between security agencies and the media to effectively push out criminal elements operating in the state.
On the Command’s readiness to attend to any emergency across the state, the CP urged the general public to always dial the police emergency number; +2348030972376 at any time of the day and they would respond accordingly.
Responding on behalf of journalists in the state, the chairman, NUJ, Taraba State Council, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen, appreciated the CP for the visit, assured him of maximum cooperation to enable him succeed on his mission in the state
The chairman who described the CP as a press friendly leader, further stressed the critical role journalists play in nation building and submitted that any society or institution that despised the power of press, simply gropes in darkness
He urged men of the Nigerian Police to always allow journalists in the state to operate freely but not to hesitate in reporting those who go against their professional ethics for necessary disciplinary actions
“I want to assure you that journalists in Taraba State will support you and will not allow you to grope in darkness. We are proud to have you as our partner in progress and we must continue to work hand in hand to secure the state in particular and the country at large,” Comr Eliud stated.
The new CP, Taraba State, CP Ukachi Peter Opara is a highly accomplished Law Enforcement Officer with an impressive record of service in the Nigeria Police Force.
He is a native of Uzoagba, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State
CP Ukachi has served in different capacities and from different places and offices in the Nigerian Police Force before he was deployed to Taraba State as the 29th CP, Taraba State Police Command.