IGP Disu Calls For Mutual Respect, Closer Cooperation Between Police, Media

…Describes Vanguard Founder, Sam Amuka-Pemu As One Of The Defining Figures Of Nigerian journalism

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu has encouraged journalists to pay greater attention to the human side of security reporting, stressing that responsible journalism should go beyond documenting violence.

He made this known at the 40th anniversary book launch and reunion of Vanguard Newspapers, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He urged the media to continue playing its watchdog and public enlightenment functions while maintaining sensitivity to national security concerns.

Disu stressed the need for mutual respect and closer cooperation between the police and the media, particularly in reporting security matters.

“I consider this a particularly significant occasion. Today, we are celebrating four decades of journalism, public discourse and a remarkable legacy,” he said.

The IGP also praised Vanguard founder, Sam Amuka-Pemu, describing him as one of the defining figures of Nigerian journalism.

“Permit me to acknowledge the enduring legacy of Uncle Sam. He is one of the defining figures of Nigerian journalism. His career has spanned decades of Nigerian journalism, and what is remarkable is the number of journalists whose careers were nurtured in this newsroom,” Disu said.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, I extend my congratulations to Vanguard on this achievement. For us, the remarkable feat is that at 91, Uncle Sam’s legacy is an institution built in people, ideas and journalistic ideals.

“The police and the media must work together. Security and the media are twins that cannot be separated. That relationship must be built on mutual respect.

“The reach of the media is something no security agency can ever match.

“I also wish to make a respectful appeal: in reporting security matters and informing the public, the media must recognise the difference between informing citizens and inadvertently informing criminal actors,” he said.