The Rule of Law And Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria, PWAN has called for active media support in amplifying the police reforms in Nigeria.
PWAN made the call on Thursday during the media town hall meeting on human rights, the Police Act 2020, and regulations at Platinum BON Hotel in Enugu.
Delivering a lecture on "Promoting awareness of the Nigeria Police Act 2020: The role of the media," a facilitator of the programme, Basil Olusupo, said the media support would help to amplify narratives surrounding police reforms, ensuring that the citizens understand the changes and advocate for the ongoing adjustments to align police practices with the community standards.
He noted that the Nigerian media plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and ensuring the effective implementation of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
Olusupo emphasized the need to
facilitate discussions involving stakeholders, including government functionaries and other relevant personalities cutting across public and private organizations in promoting police-related activities in the country.
He maintained that if the Nigerian media are actively engaged in police activities, they can significantly contribute to the successful implementation of the Police Act 2020 to foster a more accountable and community-oriented police force in Nigeria.
Another facilitator, Mr Okechukwu Nwangwuma, who delivered a lecture on "The Police Act 2020 and Regulation," disclosed that the Act was signed into law by President Muhammad Buhari on 15th September 2020 to repeal the Police Act Cap P19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Nwangwuma explained that the Act was made to provide a more effective police service based on the principles of accountability and transparency, protection of human rights, and fundamental freedoms and partnership.
He further stated that the Act was also made to ensure the effective delivery of a more responsive Nigerian Police Force embodying values on equity, justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of persons in the country.
"The act was made to safeguard the fundamental rights of Nigerians, the sensitivity of the needs and well-being of the general public, effective prevention of crimes without threatening the liberty and privacy of persons; ensuing people consciousness and friendliness, cooperation and partnership between the police and communities, professionalism through training and respect for the victims of crime and understanding their needs," the facilitator added.
Earlier in her remarks, the Programme Manager of the Partners West Africa Nigeria, Mrs Nkem Okereke said the media town hall meeting would dwell on enhancing police governance to bring a deeper understanding of the Police Act 2020 and regulations across the country.
