We Are Committed To The Security Of Our People — Gov. Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to prioritize the safety of lives and property in the state, insisting that no meaningful development can thrive without adequate security.

Governor Otti made this known on Wednesday when he received the newly posted General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, who visited him at Government House, Umuahia, on a familiarization tour.

The Governor acknowledged that security requires significant investment but emphasized that his government spares no effort or resource in protecting the people of Abia.

“We also know that security costs a lot of money, so we spare no efforts in ensuring that our people are secured,” he said.

“I’ve always held the view that anything you do without prioritising security will amount to nothing. If people cannot sleep with their two eyes closed, no matter how much investment you put in, nobody will patronise it.”

Dr. Otti assured Major General Fadairo of maximum support and cooperation from the state government and encouraged him to tour all military formations in the state as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration.

“For us, we believe in working hard. We believe in paying superior attention to security, and we are very happy to have you here,” the Governor added.

Speaking earlier, Major General Fadairo who also serves as Commander of the South East Joint Task Force, Operation Udoka  expressed confidence that his previous experience working in the region would enhance operational effectiveness.

He pledged to work with stakeholders to tackle insecurity and criminality across Abia and the Southeast.

“Having served in various capacities in this place as a young officer, I want to bring my wealth of experience on board so that we can stem the tide of insecurity and criminality out of Abia State and the whole South East as a whole,” he said.

Major General Fadairo also thanked Governor Otti for his support to security agencies across the state.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Government has announced heightened security ahead of the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Briefing journalists at the end of the monthly Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Otti, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), assured residents of a safe festive season.

Commander Uba disclosed that security agencies have been placed on full alert and existing structures reinforced in response to national security trends.

“The normal security is in place, but there will be heightened security for the Yuletide,” he stated.

“We are pledging that the government and security agencies will ensure that we have a hitch-free Yuletide season.”

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies as more personnel will be deployed to strategic locations across the state.

Heads of all security formations in Abia attended the meeting, which reviewed current security operations and adopted new strategies to safeguard the state during the festive period.