The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Commnad, CP Adewale Adepoju, has announced the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Abali Park jurisdiction where journalists were assaulted by officers of the command while covering the #TakeItBackProtest in Port Harcourt.
CP Adepoju made this disclosure on Friday during a courtesy visit to the members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) following the assaults.Speaking with the union members, the CP tendered an unreserved apology to journalists who were assaulted on Monday, April 7, by Police officers.
Describing the media as core partners of the police, the CP explained that the visit became necessary in order to maintain the working relationship, as he cautioned his men against further attacks on journalists.Warning that erring officers will be sanctioned accordingly, Adepoju berated his men for failing to provide proof of the alleged disruption of peace and attempts at stealing by the protesters, as earlier claimed by the police.
“I learned there was an issue in which some journalists were smoked and embarrassed, and I was not happy about it.“I also saw from the PRO a publication in which the union members were not happy and registered their annoyance over what happened. Going through it, I wasn’t happy either.
We’ve been working together well.“We also know the adage, ‘The pen is mightier that the sword’ and you’ve been very helpful. I don’t see any reason why we have to be confronting ourselves.“And I want to believe that on that day, my men were out to protect lives and property and ensure there’s peace and probably that criminals do not hijack the protest.
