The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogen Grima, says the state police command is working hard with other sister security agencies to make the state a reference point in security.
Grima stated this while receiving the leadership and members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday in Calabar.
The police commissioner commended Gov. Bassey Otu for creating a conducive environment for security agencies in the state to operate.
He called on residents to continue to remain vigilant, in spite of the peace and security currently being enjoyed.
Grima also appealed to journalists in the state to be more conscious while reporting crime, adding that reporting more on what criminals were doing could psychologically give them upper hand.
“Your publications should motivate the security agencies to do more and not mentally encourage criminal elements in the society.
“Even if reports of high crime rate are not true, they have the potential to prevent visitors and investors willing to come to the state for business or leisure,” he said.
The police commissioner described Cross River as a state well-positioned for tourism, being one of the few states that still had its pristine forests and other international standard tourist attractions.
He appealed to the government and residents of the state to create an atmosphere that would encourage outsiders to see Cross River as a key tourism destination in the country.
On her part, the Chairperson of NUJ, Mrs Archibong Bassey, thanked the police commissioner for the enhanced security in the state, noting that it would be a disservice if security operatives were not appreciated.
Bassey noted that few months ago, Cross River became strange to many who grew up in the state, following the high rate of crime and criminality.
She, however, said that the police commissioner had stemmed the tide since his assumption of office in the state.
“Although crime has not been totally put to a halt, I believe it is work in progress and we now see prompt response of security agencies during emergencies; this is highly commendable.
“Many years ago, even at 1 a.m., you could still find people on the roads but now, immediately it is 8 p.m., people are itching to go home due to the security situation.
“However, it is heartwarming that security agencies are now doing their best to restore security in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Grima, the 44th Commissioner of Police in the state police command, assumed office in May 2023. (NAN)
