Ag Okim made this call during a courtesy visit to members of the delta state council, Nigerian Union of Journalists at its state Secretariat today Tuesday the 11th of June, 2024 after observing a one min silence for the Commissions departed boss and two members of the NUJ.
While deploring the spate of corruption and fraud evident in the zone, the Ag. Zonal director said " I've been in the system for over 20 years and I came with happiness because I'm coming closer home, but when I got to my jurisdiction something scared me, I saw a situation where criminals are wearing uniforms andprud of criminality in the open, whereas in a sane society crime hides."
"On a scale of 0-10, if you see them 7 are yahoo boys, kidnappers and more, at this point It's confrontational, for instead of you to hide you are standing before me and saying you are a criminal."
"In crime size matters which brings Lagos to the fore front of crime but why is delta ondo Benin coming second? he asked."
On a way out of this crises he questioned the existing crime fighting strategies while stating new ones, in his words "What is that that should be done, let's develop new strategies that maybe might give us good results."
"Our ultimate goal is to eradicate crime, although people say its impossible to eradicate but only curb but that shows we are desirious to do more."
While stating his deep fear that we as a nation might be losing it all, He stated, first is to identify our partners, engage in sensitizations and advocacy, and start in a preventive nature.
Before now Edo, Delta was known for bravery but we are gradually losing it at the rate fraud has bedeviled our youths, a nation that looses its youths, fails its future.
He commended the media for haven done so well, for remaining vibrant and surviving the current state of the nation and not been bedeviled by the spate of corruption, hunger and taste grazing the land.
We appreciate how you have explained our efforts and progress in a time where fake news is common, regardless we need to tighten our belts to do much better.
It has become overwhelming and has gone beyond yahoo as no one is safe anymore for they have gone ahead to improvise through rituals just to fund their lavicious lifestyle both underage and beyond.
Mr Okim expressed deeply that "It's either we win or they win, from yahoo to diplomatic theft, misappropriation of funds, abuse of power and authority which in turn is destroying the fabrics of our country and system and also encouraging japa syndrome, bunkering and a host of others, God will not forgive us for being accessories to crime as we see these things but rather clap for and at them."
He urged the media to tell the truth ethically without fear and also admonish the Commission when wrong and encourage them when right.
On the fight against Naira abuse, he stated that Naira spraying is a stimulant to crime, if we must fight crime head on we must stop it, the culture is changing and psychologically is yielding results and more."
While hinting on the challenges facing the Commission, he said "We are in a bad system and of course when you fight crime, crime will fight back and yes we are trying our best which is why we still exist to hit corruption for if we fail today, it's as good as saying that Nigeria has failed."
"The criminal justice system has been ridiculed and is a collosal shame to our nation, hence the time is now to think differently, to be provoked to anger asking ourselves, where are our morals?"
"To hold people both high and low accountable and do better rather than be pawns in their much larger game"
Later speaking, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman Delta state NUJ stated that as Journalists the Commission should be assured of its continous efficient support taking cognizance of a balanced story, he also advised that the Commission be open to information sharing for positivity.
Oyowe emphasized on the need for capacity building and training of Journalists plus protection to enhance reportage and output, he also stressed on the need for continuous advocacy and campaign (Joint Public awareness campaign).