Security remains on the agenda of my administration, and the mandate sacrosanct – Governor Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says he will continue to deliver on his mandate of securing the State and called on all Abians to join hands to boost security in the state.

Governor Otti stated this while declaring open the Renewed Hope Agenda, a Citizen’s Town hall Engagement on strengthening Community policing in Nigeria held at the international conference centre, Umuahia.

Speaking at the town hall meeting with the theme: “Community policing, Building a Safer State Together”, Dr. Otti underscored the importance of security.

According to him, security remains on the agenda of his administration, hence the setting up of joint security taskforce codenamed “Operation Crush” to tackle insecurity and all forms of criminality in the state.
“On assumption of office in May last year, I announced that security of lives and property shall be the number one priority of the State government as stipulated in the constitution.

“We made good our promise a few weeks later by setting up a joint task force code named “operation crush” and gave them a very simple mandate to make Abia State a safe place for law abiding citizens and a very uncomfortable territory for criminals”, the Governor explained.

He highlighted that the meeting which presents an opportunity for a robust engagement will reawaken citizens on their responsibilities to prevent crime by assisting the law enforcement agencies.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the meeting aims at transforming the Nigerian Police Force into a world-class institution suited for the 21st century. She added that the goal is to create a Police Force that is responsive, intelligence-driven, community- oriented, and technologically advanced, while also excelling in maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law, and fostering trust through transparent and accountable practices. She described the renewed hope police policy and agenda as a significant shift in policing in Nigeria designed to catalyze grassroot understanding and foster collaboration adding that the collective goal is to create a world class police force.

In her goodwill message, the minister of labour and Productivity, Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha described the town hall meeting as apt as it will provide ndi Abia the opportunity to get first hand information in Community policing and appreciate Governor Otti for prioritizing security in every part of the state.

The event which featured the presentation of security award to the Governor and panel interactive session was attended by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Chairman committee on Security, Climate change and Special intervention, Chief Sam Onuigbo, Members of the State Executive Council, the State Commissioner of Police Cp Kenechukwu Onwuemelie and other security and service Chiefs, the Chairman Abia State council of traditional Rulers HRM. Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman of Abia State PCRC Chief Iheanyi Igboanulam and a host of others.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to Executive Governor of Abia State.
22-08-2024.