Abia Govt Honours Outgoing Security Commanders, Cites Improved Security in State

_Gov. Otti: “We don’t interfere because we have nothing to hide”_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – The Abia State Government on Wednesday, held a send-off ceremony in honour of outgoing service commanders who served in the State and have recently been transferred.

The event was held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor Alex Otti expressed appreciation to the outgoing commanders for their sacrifices and commitment to securing the State.

“I want to thank the outgoing service commanders for their sacrifices, for their hard work, for their cooperation, and for their discipline in working with everyone to secure this State,” Gov. Otti said.

“Sometimes, some people may not understand, particularly if you are not in the security cycle. It’s one of the most difficult jobs. A lot of you don’t sleep, so that the rest of us can sleep.

So, I relied on all of you, and because we take it very seriously, and because we also have God on our side, the results have been very impressive.”

Macdonald Ubah

Responding to commendations on his non-interference in security matters, the Governor explained the administration’s position.

“The reason we don’t interfere is that we have nothing to hide. And for us, what is right is right. If it is not right, it’s not right.

Because I won’t pick up my phone and call the Commissioner of Police or anybody to say release somebody. Once you start doing that, then you’ve started losing it,” Gov. Otti stressed.

He assured the outgoing commanders that the cordial relationship built with the State Government would be sustained. He also disclosed that additional parting gifts had been arranged and would be delivered by the Special Adviser on Security.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meríbeole, commended the outgoing commanders for serving at a time when security was prioritised by the government, noting that their collaboration helped strengthen the State’s security architecture.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, Rtd, said honouring security commanders has become a tradition under the Otti administration. He thanked the Governor for providing logistics for security operations and urged serving commanders to emulate their outgoing colleagues.

In their goodwill messages, the outgoing officers commended Gov. Otti for his friendly disposition towards security agencies.

The officers are:

1. *Brigadier General Hassan Muhammed Bello* – immediate past Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia

2. *AIG Danladi Isah* – immediate past Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, now Assistant Inspector General of Police

3. *Mr. Ibrahim Sariki* – immediate past State Director, Department of State Services

4. *Commandant Akinsola Aderemi* – immediate past State Commander, NSCDC, Abia Command

5. *Commandant Chigbu Odoemelam Chile* – immediate past Commander, NDLEA, Abia Command

They described Governor Otti as the bedrock of their successes in Abia, noting that they were motivated and provided with all necessary logistics. According to them, Abia is now the most secure State in the federation.