Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has handed over five newly repaired and retrofitted
Armored Personnel Carrier vehicles to the Nigerian Police Force.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti revealed that his administration, upon assuming office, met the vehicles in a “terrible state of disrepair”.
“When we came in on May 29, 2023, these vehicles were abandoned here in terrible condition,” he stated.
The Governor said he made the strategic decision to refurbish them in recognition of their long term utility adding that the sixth Armoured Personnel Carrier has been taken to Abuja in furtherance of the repairs and refurbishing.
“Five of them are now fully retrofitted and as good as new, while the last one is undergoing final repairs in Abuja. This underscores our belief in proper maintenance. Never again will we allow public assets to deteriorate to this extent.
“Knowing that these vehicles have a long staying power, we took a very principled decision to refurbish one or two of them’.
“By the time we started refurbishing them, we found out that it was not too difficult and therefore I authorized that about six of them be repaired”, the Governor asserted..
He emphasized the importance of maintenance culture and vowed that under his administration, Government assets would no longer be left to waste, as repairs cost more when neglected.
“Our believe is that never again would we allow our assets to dilapidate in this State. Alot of things that we throw away can be easily fixed and we have demonstrated it”, the Gov said.
He charged the Police personnel who will use the vehicles to ensure their proper handling and regular servicing.
“So I will charge the men that would use it to ensure they are used carefully.
“Anything that needs to be repaired, repair it quickly because if you don’t, you will spend two to three times to repair it”, Governor Otti advised.
In his vote of thanks, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his continuous support to the Nigerian Police.
He acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to security and assured that the vehicles would be effectively utilized to enhance policing efforts in the state.
