Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commended the outgoing Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance Owerrinta, Navy Commodore Tunde Quadri, for his professionalism and contributions to security in the State during his 19-month tenure.
Governor Otti gave the commendation when Navy Commodore Quadri paid him a farewell visit alongside his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, following the formal handover of leadership at the Naval Institution.
The Governor described Commodore Quadri as a thoroughbred professional whose working relationship with the State Government had been productive.
He expressed appreciation for the out going Commandant’s role in strengthening security collaboration, noting that his contributions to the State’s Nonthly Security Council Meetings went beyond issues directly concerning the Nigerian Navy.
Governor Otti with outgoing Commandant
Governor Otti said the outgoing commandant had become part of the Abia family, adding that his transfer had initially attracted efforts to retain him in the State.
The Governor, however, acknowledged that the transfer was in line with the Nigerian Navy’s tradition, which provides for senior officers to serve between 18 and 24 months in a particular posting.
Gov Otti with incoming Navy Commandant
He commended the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance for its partnership with the State Government, noting that the successful execution of four projects at the institution through the collaboration was encouraging.
Governor Otti assured the incoming commandant, Navy Commodore Emmanuel Onu, of the State Government’s continued support and urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessor and surpass them.
Gov Otti with both incoming and outgoing Navy Commandants
He said his administration believed that successors should perform better than their predecessors, adding that the outgoing commandant had demonstrated such attitude by wishing his successor greater accomplishments.
The Governor encouraged Navy Commodore Onu to maintain open communication with the State Government and identify areas where it could provide support to enhance the operations of the College.
He emphasised that the Nigerian Navy was an integral part of the country’s security architecture and that the success of its personnel in Abia was also a success for the State.
Governor Otti further assured the new Commandant that the Monthly Security Council Meetings would continue to provide a platform for discussing security challenges and strengthening cooperation among Security Agencies.
He assured that the outgoing Commandant would be formally celebrated by the State Government at a date to be agreed upon with him.
Navy Commandant, Tunde Quadri
Earlier, the outgoing Commandant, Navy Commodore Tunde Quadri, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the support and hospitality extended to him and the Nigerian Navy during his 19 months of service in Abia.
Navy Commodore Quadri, who described his tenure as challenging but rewarding, said it was his second posting to the State, having first served in Abia in 2004 as a young Naval Officer.
He said his return to the State had been a memorable experience, particularly because of the Governor’s leadership style, strategic foresight and commitment to providing a conducive working environment for Security Agencies.
The outgoing Commandant particularly appreciated Governor Otti for maintaining a professional distance from the operational activities of Security Agencies and providing the necessary support and encouragement.
He noted that the Governor’s approach had earned Abia a positive reputation among Security Personnel, with many officers expressing interest in serving in the State.
Commodore Quadri also introduced his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, a member of Regular Course 12 of the Nigerian Navy, whom he described as an experienced officer with more than three decades of service.
He expressed confidence that the new commandant would sustain the achievements recorded during his tenure and deliver even greater results.
The outgoing Commandant further thanked Governor Otti for attending the commissioning of projects at the college and providing resources that contributed to their successful completion.
He recalled the Governor’s observation during the visit that additional accommodation facilities were needed for Naval Officers and Personnel and expressed hope that the State Government would follow up on the proposed project.
Gov Otti with both incoming and outgoing Navy Commandants
In a vote of thanks, the incoming Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Navy Commodore Emmanuel Onu, pledged his commitment to sustaining the achievements of his predecessor, assuring that he would strengthen the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and Abia State Government.
Navy Commodore Onu who disclosed that his last visit to Abia State was in 2005 during his Basic Course, described Governor Otti’s support for the Navy as unprecedented.
The New Commandant assured the Governor of his commitment and loyalty and expressed confidence that he would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
