Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has emphasized the need for enhanced security across the state, assuring full support for the newly redeployed Service Commanders in the state.
Governor Otti stated this during the official send-forth ceremony of four Service Commanders drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC and DSS and who served the state meritoriously.
The Governor who emphasized the pivotal role of security to the economic growth and development of the state, restated his administration’s commitment to securing all parts of Abia State.
He said: “If there is insecurity you cannot improve economic activities and if economic activities are not improved then insecurity will continue to heighten.
“The economic activities will give rise to demand, and the demand will give rise to supply and supply will give rise to production and when production is on the increase employment will be generated”.
Governor Otti attributed the successes recorded in securing the state especially in Leru,Lokpanta and Lekwesi areas of Umunneochi LGA, to the dedication and service of security agencies across the state.
The Governor thanked the outgoing service commanders for working with his government as a team which led to the successes recorded by the “Operation Crush Initiative” and other security formations and wished them well in their new places of assignment.
Governor Otti while welcoming the new service commanders to the state, charged them to strive to surpass the achievements of their predecessors in deepening security all parts of the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Captain Macdonald Uba, while highlighting the commendable service of the four outgoing service commanders, noted that they have served the state meritoriously and given a compass which represents the Governor’s vision to make Abia number one crime free state.
Uba, praised their efforts in effectively curbing kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state and attributed their successes to the unwavering support and dedication of the Governor Otti-led administration.
He emphasized that the ongoing Operation Crush security initiative, by the state government is aimed at ensuring a crime-free Abia.
Also speaking, a former Military Administrator of Old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd) while congratulating the service Commanders on their redeployment to the state, charged them to give their best in support of the efforts of Governor Alex Otti in achieving maximum security for the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General N.J Edet, while expressing gratitude on behalf of the outgoing service commanders, acknowledged Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to addressing insecurity in Abia State.
General Edet highlighted the pivotal role of Governor Otti’s support, particularly through the Operation Crush initiative, in enhancing socio-economic activities and curbing kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He thanked the Governor for his support during their tour of service, as well as other sister security agencies for their cooperation and synergy and called for continued collaboration for sustained progress.
The New Service Commanders are; Brigadier General O.O Diya Commanding 14 Brigade Ohafia, Salamis Ajege Department of State Security, CIS Alphonsus Ndupu (Immigration) and Mr Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.
The Wife of the Governor, Lady Priscilla Otti, the Deputy Governor, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, among other top government functionaries, Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the Commander, Nigeria Navy College, Finance and Logistics Owerinta, Navy Captain O.A Eyitayo among others witnessed the send-forth ceremony.
