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By Tracy Moses
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, has emphasised that journalists deserve respect and should be treated as professionals rather than beggars, acknowledging their critical role in informing the public and strengthening democratic governance.
Disu made the remark on Saturday while speaking at the congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The police chief commended journalists in the territory for their commitment to keeping the public informed and contributing to national development, describing the media as an essential partner in promoting transparency, accountability and responsible governance.
He noted that his relationship with the media over the years has been built on mutual respect and professionalism, stressing that journalists must be accorded the dignity their profession deserves.
“I have always had a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with journalists. They are professionals who deserve respect and should never be treated as beggars,” he said.
Disu also called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media, noting that such partnership would help enhance public trust and improve communication on security matters.
He further urged both police officers and journalists to conduct themselves responsibly in the course of their duties, adding that professionalism and good conduct leave lasting impressions on society.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, congratulated the new IGP on his appointment and described him as a longstanding friend of the press.
She expressed confidence in his leadership and assured him of the council’s readiness to work closely with the police to ensure objective and responsible reporting of security-related issues.
Ike also revealed that the police chief would be invited as a special guest at the council’s 2026 Press Week celebration.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to promoting responsible journalism and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening security and governance in the territory.