Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has inaugurated the Abia State Security Advisory Council and the Abia Security Trust Fund boards, with a charge to bring their wealth of experiences to assist the government in its effort to secure the lives and property of the citizenry.
Governor Otti, who spoke while inaugurating members of the two boards, as well as that of the Judicial Service Commission, on Tuesday, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security of residents, insisting that his government takes issues of security very serious.
The Governor stated that his administration prioritises issues of security in the development of Abia, and highlighted the significant progress made by the government in restoring peace and stability in areas previously plagued by criminal activities.
“Before my assumption of office, some parts of the State was a stronghold of criminals, kidnappers and people unleashing all forms of terror on residents.
“We wasted no time in putting on ground the necessary machinery to put an end to this life threatening situation.
“We have made great progress in the achievement of our vision to make the State to remain safe,” Governor Otti said.
He urged members of the Security Advisory Council to interface with the existing security architecture in the State to provide insight that would help to consolidate the gains made since the inception of his administration.
Similarly, the Governor charged members of the Security Trust Fund to work with public-spirited institutions to raise the resources that would enable the State procure important operational and logistics tools to support the various security agencies.
He commended the members of the council and trust fund for accepting to serve the people of Abia and urged them to bring their wealth of experience to strengthen government’s efforts in securing lives and property in Abia.
The Security Advisory Council, headed by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (Rtd), has prominent figures with extensive military and security backgrounds as members, while the Security Trust Fund, crucial for financing security initiatives, is headed by business man, Chief Stanley Obiamarije, with other equally distinguished personalities as members.
Responding, the Chairman of the Security Advisory Council, Lt. Gen. Ihejirika, thanked Governor Otti for the opportunity to serve the people of Abia.
Ihejirika assured that he and his team are committed to the “very important task of looking into the security situation with a view to creating a conducive environment for all”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Security Trust Fund, Chief Obiamaraije, thanked the Governor for finding him and his team worthy of entrusting the task of assisting the government in raising funds for the security of the state.
“The reason some of us accepted to serve is because there is a change in narrative in the governance of Abia. We promise to continue to support the state government,” Obiamaraije stated.
Other members of the Security Advisory Council include: DIG Uche Ivy Okoronkwo (Rtd), Mr. Ray Nkemdirim, Maj. Gen. Abel Obi Umahi (Rtd), AVM Emmanuel Chukwu (Rtd), Maj. Gen. J.O. Nwaogbo (Rtd), and Navy Cmdr. Macdonald Ubah (Rtd), who serves as the Secretary.
Members of the Security Trust Fund include: Owelle Greg Okafor, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma, Chief Johnson Chukwu, Mrs. Josephine Nweze, Mrs. Nkechi Obi and Mr. Bank-Anthony Okoroafor.
Those inaugurated for the Judicial Service Commission are: Mr. Chibuzo Irobi, Mr. Finecountry Iyioku, Prof. Chukwu Udensi, and Engr. Moses Ogbonna.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
May 16, 2024.
