…assures journalists of adequate security
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has called for a peaceful and orderly conduct as members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, prepare for their forthcoming election.
Speaking ahead of the poll, CP Ogunlowo reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relationship between the Police and journalists, assuring that the Command would provide full security support before, during, and after the exercise.
“We are friends with journalists just as they are to us. We expect everything to go smoothly,” he said. “As a security agency, we will provide adequate security and any other support required for the election process. We do not envisage any problems, but as far as security is concerned, we will be on ground throughout. We also believe members of the Union will abide by the guidelines so we can have a rancour-free election.”
Responding to concerns over previous incidents of violence associated with the Council’s elections, the Commissioner maintained that the Police would not tolerate any breach of peace.
“If there had been precedents, I would expect that the NUJ would have devised ways to deal with them by now. But seriously, whether it is an election or any other event, the Police do not expect nor condone any breakdown of law and order,” he said.
He warned that anyone who disrupts the process would face legal consequences.
“If anyone misconducts himself or engages in violence, we will do our job as Police and make such a person face the law. We want everybody to be law-abiding: vote peacefully and leave the venue. Anyone who causes violence will be made to face the music.”
CP Ogunlowo reiterated the commitment of the Command to safeguarding the electoral environment and wished all contestants and members of the Union a successful exercise.
“We wish everybody the very best,” he concluded.
Earlier, Chairman of the 2025 Credentials and Screening Committee of Ogun NUJ, Comrade Abiodun Taiwo, thanked the Commissioner for the cordial relationship between the Police and journalists in the state. He noted that the support from the Command has assisted journalists in carrying out their constitutional duties without hindrance.
Taiwo said the Electoral Committee visited the Command to brief it on activities lined up for the 2025 triennial delegates’ conference and solicited adequate security coverage for the event. He reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Police in the effective discharge of their respective functions.
Also in the entourage of the Chairman of the Electoral committee are other members which include Doris Olumoko and Yemisi Fashola.
