By Amin Kef Sesay
The President of SLAJ – Ahmed Sahid Nasralla and his Executive members, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Wednesday October 5, 2022, at his George Street office, at Police Headquarters in Freetown in a bid to continue to strengthen the synergy and mutual relationship existing between the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
On behalf of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla congratulated the IGP on his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the SLP. He noted that the focus of the courtesy visit was to brief the IGP of the subsisting relationship between the Police and SLAJ. He spoke about the memorandum of understanding signed between the two Institutions in August 2021, with his predecessor; which, among other things, was and still to end impunity in crime, work with the Police, understand each other’s mandate, roles and responsibilities. And now that there is an administrative change, they (SLAJ) thought it fit to do a follow up on the MOU, and where possible, do a review of it.
This came against the backdrop that the country is moving towards or had already started the electioneering processes; for which they (SLAJ) are partners, as well. The President emphasized that this could surely make a pathway for non-violence, free, fair and credible elections, come 2023.
The President also made an appeal for the establishment of a policy frame work for the safety of Journalists, going into the elections and even at normal times. He briefed the IGP on the establishment of the National Safety Committee comprising of SLAJ, Security Sector, Civil Society and relevant stakeholders.
Fatmata Dainkeh Katta, the SLAJ’s Assistant Secretary, in her vote of thanks, entreated the IGP about the importance of having a manual/guidelines that could distinctly speak to the roles and responsibilities of the Police on one hand, and the Journalists, on the other; so as to avoid the tendency of conflicting situations. She proposed for a working day between SLAJ and the Police – a day which she said could be used to clearly ascertain the codes of ethics, Independent Media Commission’s Code of Practice, and the SLP’s mandate and responsibilities.
In response, the IGP thanked, welcomed and appreciated the President of SLAJ and his Executive for the courtesy call, which he considered to be of paramount importance.
On the issue of reviewing the MoU signed by his predecessor, on behalf of the SLP, the IGP said that the need exist for the SLP Legal Team to look at the document, possibly for any additional inputs.
Fayia Sellu equally subscribed to having a workshop between the Police and SLAJ, so that the institutions’ roles and responsibilities could be better cascaded to either side, with the view to avoiding any superior tendencies, but rather the fostering of cohesion and togetherness, as development partners.
The public, the IGP said, should see Journalists and Police in harmony; noting, that it would instill confidence in the minds of the populace. The IGP encouraged the President of SLAJ and his membership to be calling on the hierarchy of the Police whenever they are faced with a challenge. This, he noted, is a professional way to salvage any impasse between the two entities.
Head of SLP’s Media and Public Relations – ACP Brima Kamara was tasked to work on the proposed workshop between the SLP and SLAJ; to look into election’s preparedness framework, and see where SLAJ could fit in; and to carve out the different mandates, roles and responsibilities of the SLP, SLAJ, and IMC.
In closing, the IGP said “SLAJ is close to my heart”.
The engagement was held amid a relaxing and friendly atmosphere; climaxed with group photographs and handshakes.
Notable Executive members present, among those already mentioned, included:
Sahr James Bangah – Vice President SLAJ.,Umu H. Bakarr, Public Affairs Secretary – SLAJ,Alhaji Manika Koroma – Secretary General SLAJ, Mohamed Konneh – Financial Secretary SLAJ.
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