The Police in Rivers State have warned its personnel enforcing the covid-19 lockdown to allow journalists to perform their constitutional duties without hindrance throughout the period of the lockdown.
Nnamdi Omoni, the public relations officer of the state command warned police officers to ensure that no journalists or doctors are molested or harassed during the lockdown.
According to him: “I just got the signal of those on essential duties and journalists are number one the list. I think because the police work hand in hand with the media and government, so the commissioner of police, CP Joseph Gobum Mukan has warned all units, tactical heads, area commanders, divisional police officers, to call their men to order, any policeman who breaches this law reported to the command will be dealt with.
“All journalist must have identifiable and clear Identity card stating so on him or her at all times, if at the point of arrest, you do not have an identity card, as journalist or doctor or medical personnel you may need not to blame our officers”
Omoni also noted that the respect of the fundamental human rights of every citizen and resident of the state is paramount, stressing that no policeman should be seen harassing any residents who are not armed.
He reminded the officers that we live in a digital world where videos are so easy to make, adding that anyone caught in such videos will face disciplinary action from the command.
“The IGP and The commissioner of police CP Joseph Mukan do not play with issues of human rights abuses”, he said.
Omoni hailed Wednesday’s court judgment which sentenced a police Sergeant, Johnbosco Okoronze, to one imprisonment for aiding the escape of Ifeanyi Dike.
He warned officers serving in the command to take their job seriously
