By Lawrence Nwimo
Journalists have decried the spate of killings and continued existence of criminal activities in different communities in Anambra State.
The feelings were expressed during March 2022 Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra state Council sponsored by Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone FAS at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.
Journalists at the event expressed concern over the relative ease with which crimes and killings are perpetrated in the state, noting that there had never been à case where the perpetrators of the dastardly acts were apprehended for prosecution by security forces in the State.
The media practitioners recalled that no fewer than 16 lives were lost penultimate week at a burial ceremony in Ebenebe, Awka North, which came on the heels of killings and shootings at Oko, Ekwulobia and other suburb towns in the state.
They however called for proactive approach rather than reactionary approach from the security agencies in the state. They tasked residents to wake up in their various capacities to help tame the monstrous threat to the society.
In a speech, the Commissioner of Police CP Echeng Echeng urged journalists to live for one another as well as see the police as partner in the service to humanity.
Echeng who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, maintained that the police in the state remained resolute in its fight against crime and criminality in the state. He stressed that the police will not rest until the perpetrators of crimes in the state are arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking at the brainstorming session, the Sponsor of the 2022 March Congress of the NUJ and Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS described journalists as important components of the society, noting that the UNIZIK's partnership with the men of the fourth estate of the realm has had a veritable influence in the success of his administration.
Prof Esimone noted that despite all the challenges faced by public universities across the country, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has continued to record massive success in learning, research capacities and administrative advancements.
He also recognized the import of the University's partnership with the public (town), which he said had solidified ties that had culminated in series of interventions and facility developments that has aided human living and contributed to problem solving in the society.
In a remark, the Acting Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu applauded the State NUJ Exco led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD for taking the union in the right direction and urged them not to relent in its drive towards lifting state NUJ to an enviable height.
Earlier, the NUJ council Chairman , Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, inaugurated 28 sub-committees and charged them to work for the good of the union. He also urged them to refer to the state executive should they encounter challenges in the cause of carrying out their rightful duties.
Highpoint of the event was swearing of oath of allegiance by the sub cowmmittee members and the official delivery of 18 seater bus donated by the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to the Union.
Rev Fr Martin Anusi blessed the car while the Executive of NUJ led by Comrade Odogwu received blessings to carry on their duties from Senior Pastor Deeper Love Assembly, Pastor Joseph Nwabueze.