Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, says his administration and other South-East Governors would continue to push for the creation of State Police, the establishment of an additional state in the South-East, and closer collaboration to enhance security across the region.
Governor Otti, started this whole speaking with journalists after a closed door meeting he held with the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah who visited him at his Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA country home.
The Governor emphasised that State Policing and inter-state cooperation were critical to safeguarding communities in the region.
“I’m completely in sync with my brother’s position. As a matter of fact, our two States and many other States have supported the creation of State Police.
“I believe that the Federal Government will do something about that very soon. You know, the issue about security is local, just like politics”, the Governor said.
He further maintained that the South-East remains the only geo-political zone in Nigeria with fewer than six states, describing the imbalance as unfair to the region.
“On the creation of additional States, virtually every geo-political zone has six, and I believe the North-West has seven states. The South-East has five states. So I’m also in alignment for the creation of one additional state in the South-East”, he stated.
Governor Otti, who thanked Governor Mbah for the visit and for the cordial relations between Enugu and Abia States, said that closer ties were vital for addressing cross-border security challenges.
“You know, we share boundaries. So some of the things we discussed are also how to ensure that there is security and that our people are secured in those places.
“We talked about the Enugu State Government and Abia State Government partnering, because if he successfully drives away criminals from there, they will probably end here.
“If we don’t do anything, then one part of the South-East will be secured and the other part will not be. So this kind of cooperation is very important”, Otti said.
Also speaking, the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, said he came to exchange ideas with Governor Otti on issues of mutual concern, particularly governance and improving the lives of citizens.
“So I essentially came to talk about how we would continue to serve our people better. And so that’s largely why I’m here; notes comparing.
“Our focus is largely on governance. We believe that the people are the epicentre of governance, so what we do, the projects and programmes we execute, are all about the people.
“I also came to commend him (Gov Otti) for the great work he is doing for the people of Abia across several sectors. And I’m sure you know that’s something we have in common between Abia and Enugu”, Governor Mbah added.
