Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising security in Abia State, saying sustainable development cannot thrive in an unsafe environment.
Otti stated this on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of the Alumni Association of the Seventh Regular Course of the Nigeria Naval College, led by A.O. Bamidele, at the Government House in Umuahia.
The governor stressed the importance of security to governance and development, noting that his administration would continue to place it at the centre of its policies.
“For us, security is a top priority. Without security, every other thing collapses,” Otti said.
Otti expressed appreciation to the delegation for their decision to host their 40th anniversary reunion in Abia State, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the ongoing transformation across the State.
“I want to thank you for choosing Abia as the venue for your 40th anniversary reunion. We are very pleased to receive you and will do everything within our capacity to support your programme,” Otti stated.
The Governor further directed the Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), who is equally an alumnus of the 7th Regular Course of the college, to liaise with the association to ensure seamless collaboration and adequate support for the forthcoming event.
The governor, while acknowledging the commendations from the delegation on the strides made by his administration, noted that the progress recorded so far is only the beginning.
“Thank you for noticing the modest changes we are making in the State. I can assure you that it is still early days.
“We remain committed to doing more for the good of the people of Abia State,” he assured.
The State Chief Executive also highlighted the merit-based approach of his administration in appointments, citing the engagement of Commander McDonald Uba as Special Adviser on Security.
“Without even knowing that he was your course mate, we appointed Commander McDonald Uba strictly based on merit.
“We recognised his pedigree and competence. If he didn’t merit it, he wouldn’t have been appointed,” the governor affirmed, expressing satisfaction with the positive impact of his contributions to the State’s security architecture.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Alumni Association, Commodore A.O. Bamidele (Rtd), explained that the delegation came to formally inform the governor of their planned 40th anniversary re-union scheduled to take place in Abia soon and to seek his blessings and support.
“We felt it would not be proper to host an event of such magnitude in your State without coming to pay homage.
“We are here to seek your support and blessings as we prepare for this important occasion,” he said.
Commodore Bamidele commended the remarkable transformation witnessed in Abia State, particularly in the capital city, Umuahia.
“When I entered Umuahia yesterday, I saw a new heaven, a place that is totally different. Something is clearly working here, and we want to be part of it,” he said.
He lauded Governor Otti’s leadership, noting that positive developments in the State have been widely acknowledged across the Country.
“We are hearing so many good things about Abia. People now say that if you visit Aba, you may not recognise it again. That speaks volumes about your administration,” Bamidele added.
Commodore Bamidele further highlighted the many contributions of members of the association to National development, particularly in the area of security, and expressed appreciation for the appointment of one of their own by Otti.
“We sincerely thank you for appointing Commander McDonald Uba as Special Adviser on Security. We are proud of him and remain committed to supporting your security initiatives in the State,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), among other senior appointees of the Government.
