Security: ‘We have nothing to hide,’ Otti says

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has said his administration’s decision not to interfere in the operations of security agencies contributed to the improved security situation in the state.

Otti stated this at a send-off ceremony organised by the Abia State Government for outgoing security commanders at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

He said his administration had deliberately maintained a professional relationship with security agencies because it had nothing to hide.

“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,” he said.

The governor commended the outgoing commanders for their sacrifices, hard work, discipline and cooperation in securing the state, noting that security personnel often sacrificed their sleep and comfort to ensure residents remained safe.

“I want to thank the outgoing service commanders for their sacrifices, for their hard work, for their cooperation, for their discipline in working with everyone to secure this state. It’s one of the most difficult jobs. A lot of you don’t sleep, so that the rest of us can sleep,” Otti said.

He added, “I relied on all of you, and because we take it (security) very seriously, and because we also have God on our side, the results have been very impressive.”

The outgoing commanders were the immediate past Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Hassan Muhammed Bello; immediate past Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, now Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Danladi Isah; immediate past State Director of the Department of State Services, Ibrahim Sariki; immediate past State Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commandant Akinsola Aderemi; and immediate past Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Commandant Chigbu Odoemenam Chile.

Otti assured the commanders that the cordial relationships established during their service in Abia would continue despite their transfers, saying the state would remain hospitable to them.

He also disclosed that additional parting gifts had been arranged for them and would be delivered through his Special Adviser on Security Matters.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, commended the outgoing commanders for their contributions to strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Meribeole said they served at a time when security received priority attention from the administration, adding that their collaboration with the government had contributed to the peace being enjoyed in the state.

“The peace we are enjoying today is as a result of your sacrifice,” he said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, said the send-off had become part of the Otti administration’s tradition of appreciating security commanders for their service to the state.

Ubah thanked the governor for providing the necessary logistics and support to security agencies and urged the new commanders to sustain the cooperation established by their predecessors.

In their separate goodwill messages, the outgoing commanders thanked Otti for his support and non-interference in their duties, saying the governor’s approach had contributed to improved security in the state.

They described Otti as a security-friendly governor who provided the motivation and logistics required to perform their duties effectively, and said Abia had become one of the most secure states in the country.

The ceremony was attended by top government functionaries, security chiefs and other dignitaries.