Governor Alex Otti’s Vision for a Secure Abia State: Strengthening Community Policing
Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
Governor Alex Otti’s administration has made significant strides in tackling insecurity in Abia State. In his address at the ‘Citizens Town Hall Engagement on Strengthening Community Policing in Nigeria’, held yesterday (Thursday 22nd August, 2024), at Abia International Conference Center (AICC), Governor Otti reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property. This vision is rooted in his administration’s understanding that security is the foundation of development and prosperity.
The Governor’s efforts to address insecurity have been multifaceted. He established a joint taskforce, “Operation Crush,” to tackle violent crimes and engaged with security and paramilitary formations to understand their needs and provide necessary support. This collaborative approach has yielded positive results, with several communities liberated from criminal gangs and roads, forests, and farms made safe again.
However, Governor Otti emphasized that security is a collective responsibility. He encouraged citizens to take ownership of their safety and support law enforcement agents in preventing and responding to security threats. The Governor also praised the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for championing the message of community policing and commended the ministerial team for their efforts.
Community policing is a crucial aspect of effective security. It involves building trust between law enforcement agents and the communities they serve. Governor Otti recognized the importance of this approach, stating that “we must build trust between our security agencies and the communities they serve.” This trust is essential for effective policing and security.
The town hall meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to interface and reach a consensus on collaboration with security formations. Governor Otti expressed optimism that the event would yield positive outcomes, stating that “events such as this will become more regular in our State because we need to continually evaluate our strategy from multiple lenses.”
Governor Otti also addressed the role of technology in preventing and tracking crimes. He acknowledged that technology can be a valuable tool in staying one step ahead of criminals. The Governor’s administration has already made significant investments in technology to enhance security.
Furthermore, Governor Otti emphasized the need for citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities. He stated that “we must work together to make Abia State the most peaceful destination in the region.” This call to action underscores the importance of collective responsibility in achieving security.
In addition, Governor Otti’s administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering communities and promoting social cohesion. These initiatives have helped to reduce tensions and promote a sense of shared responsibility for security.
In conclusion, Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a secure Abia State is rooted in his administration’s commitment to collective responsibility, community policing, and technology. Through continued collaboration and investment in these areas, Abia State can achieve its vision of becoming the most peaceful destination in the region. As Governor Otti stated, “we must work together to make Abia State a safe place for law-abiding citizens and a very uncomfortable territory for criminals.”
The event had the esteemed presence of the Honorable Minister, Ministry of Police Affairs (State), Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and her entourage, Abia State representative in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), who is also the Honorable Minister, Ministry of Labour and Productivity (State), Honourable (Mrs) Nkeiru Onyejeocha and other stakeholders.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA (Public Affairs) to the Governor of Abia.