Rejigging of security architecture by Gov. Otti ensures peaceful yuletide in Abia
The yuletide with it’s attendant celebration and merry making in 2024 leading up to 2025 is adjudged one of the most peaceful if not the most peaceful in the history of Abia state. Across the length and breath of the state, no major criminal activity is on record to have occurred as Abians observe the seasons holiday; traveling from far and near to meet with relations, friends and loved ones.
Just before the yuletide, the state experienced a number of incidents leading to apprehensions in certain quarters if the holiday season will be pleasant for Abians both at home and in the diaspora who expectedly and customarily travel home in numbers to spend time with those so dear to them. This situation posed an obvious question on how the government of the day will rise up to the occasion to reassure all that the situation was under control.
At a chat with the media, Governor Alex Otti in responding to questions on the state of security in Abia, reassured Abians and the world that his government was on top of the situation after acknowledging the concerns of the good people of the state. Governor Otti revealed that after assessing the situation with heads of security agencies in the state, his government is going to rejig the security architecture to bring it up to speed in response to current challenges.
Further more, Governor Otti revealed that because recent criminal activities were carried out by cross border bandits in classic hit and run style, his government was in touch and is working with other South East governors for a broader response in tackling the criminals who are highly mobile all in a bid to avoid capture because they are constantly on the move!
In rejigging security, Governor Otti revealed that investigations have intensified to apprehend culprits of the killings at Onuimo, Ubakala all within Umuahia with some success recorded. He also noted that certain sophisticated gadgets have been acquired to aid security men ensure every Abian is kept safe in the yuletide to enjoy the season without security scare or stress.
True to his assessment that patrol vehicles are essential in the fight against insecurity Dr. Alex Otti on Monday the 16 of December 2024, handed over brand new Toyota Hilux security patrol vehicles procured by his government to a cross section of security agencies in the state. The patrol vehicles totalling Twenty in number were distributed to the Police, Army ,Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp – NSCDC, and the Department of State Services – DSS.
At the hand over ceremony which held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, Gov. Otti reiterated for the upteenth time that security was a top priority for his administration and therefore all premium is placed on ensuring that security personnel operating in the state though under the Federal Government, are not left in the lurch as they commit themselves to keep the state safe.
While handing over the keys of the security atrol vehicles to the benefiting security agencies, Gov. Otti pointed out that without adequate security, no meaningful development can be achieved in Abia or in any other state or society. He called on security agencies to rise up to the recent challenges posed by some criminal elements by putting the vehicles to effective use.
It would be recalled that at inception,the administration of Gov. Otti launched a joint interagency security campaign tagged ‘Operation Crush’ which so far has recorded major successes in suppressing high crime in the state. ‘Operation Crush’ has ensured that Abia is no longer a haven for hoodlums who found it comfortable to set up base in the state owing to negligence and a lack of willpower to tackle crime by the immediate past administration.
The provision of security patrol vehicles and other logistics is to compliment the already existing ‘Operation Crush’ campaign in rising to recent challenges posed by criminals with a new tactics of ‘hit and run’. These brand new vehicles will aid the security personnel to go after these criminals, capture them and bring them to book. Governor Otti continues to insist that these criminals must be brought to book!
The governor did once again charge security agents operating in Abia to desist from subjecting innocent civilians to harassment or extortion. He acknowledged the outstanding work the uniformed men have done from the inception of his administration and promised to always provide the necessary support they require for the fight against crime to be sustained and ultimately won.
As a forward thinking administrator, Gov. Otti has emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering in the fight against crime revealing that efforts along that line have continued to yield desired results with the tracking and arrests of criminal suspects. He noted that his administration has made more investments in intelligence gathering in the overall effort to keep Abia safe in the yuletide and beyond.
In his Christmas Message to Abians, Governor Otti gave heartwarming reassurances on the issue of security. Quoting the governor, he said “Let me specially welcome our brothers and sisters who have returned from different parts of the world to share the rich blessings of the Season with their kith and kin here at home.
He went on to add “We are grateful to God for bringing everyone safely home and wish you great happiness during your stay. We have painstakingly put in place, adequate security measures to guarantee the safety of everyone so we encourage you to visit with friends and relatives to celebrate together in an atmosphere of love and freedom.”
Giving such reassurances following adequate provision of logistics for security agencies, it becomes clear that Governor Otti is on top of the issue of security in Abia and for Abians. There is no gainsaying the fact that 2024 yuletide leading to the advent of 2025 has been peaceful and may most probably be the most peaceful in the history of the state since its creation in 1991.
This is another major attainment and hallmark of the new Abia under the stewardship of the governor dubbed ‘Chioma Nde Abia’.
Indeed a new Abia is hear and all men of truth and goodwill can attest to this wind of change in ‘Gods Own State’.
The ‘promise land’ is in sight and Abians march eagerly behind the able leadership of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.
By Chukwuma Elvis – Public Affairs Commentator