Governor Alex Otti has inagurated the Abia State Security Advisory Council and the Abia Security Trust Fund aimed at enhancing security measures in the state.
The Security Advisory Council which is headed by Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (RTD), has prominent figures with extensive military and security backgrounds as Members while the Security Trust Fund, crucial for financing security initiatives is headed by Chief Stanley Obiamarije.
Speaking during the inauguration at Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti who also inagurated the Judicial Service Commission, emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the safety of residents noting that his government takes security issues very serious.
The Governor stated that his administration prioritises security for the development of Abia, and underscored the significant progress made by the state in transforming areas previously plagued by criminal activities into safer environments since assuming office.
“Before my assumption of office, some parts of the state was a stronghold of criminals, kidnappers and people unleashing all forms of terror on residents.
“We wasted no time in putting on ground the necessary machinery to put an end to this life threatening situation.
“We have made great progress in the achievement of our vision to make the state to remain safe”, Otti said
He urged that the Security Advisory Council to
interface with the existing security architecture to provide insight that would help to consolidate the gains made in since the inception of his administration.
Governor Otti charged the Security Trust Fund to work with public and private institutions to raise the resources that would enable the state procure important operational and logistics tools to support various security teams.
He commended the members of the council and trust fund for accepting to serve the people of Abia and urged them to bring their wealth of experience to strengthen government’s efforts in securing lives and property in Abia.
Responding, the Chairman of the Security Advisory Council and a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika(rtd), thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Abia.
Ihejirika said that they are committed to the “very important task of looking into the security situation with a view to creating a conducive environment for all”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Security Trust Fund, Chief Stanley Obiamaraije, thanked the government for the opportunity to serve the state.
“The reason some of us accepted to serve is because there is a change in narrative in the governance of Abia. We promise to continue to support the state government”, Obiamaraije stated.
Other members of the Security Advisory Council include DIG Uche Ivy Okoronkwo(Rtd), Mr Ray Nkemdirim, Maj. Gen. Abel Obi Umahi( Rtd), AVM Emmanuel Chukwu( Rtd), Maj. Gen. J.O. Nwaogbo(Rtd) and Navy Cmdr Macdonald Ubah (Rtd).
Members of the Security Trust Fund include Mr Greg Okafor, Mrs Ngozi Ekeoma, Chief Johnson Chukwu ,Mrs Josephine Nweze ,Mrs Nkechi Obi
and Mr Bank-Anthony Okoroafor.
