Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising security, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a safe environment.
Otti made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of the Alumni Association of the Seventh Regular Course of the Nigeria Naval College at the Government House in Umuahia.
He told the visiting delegation that security remains a top priority for his administration, describing it as the foundation for all other aspects of governance and development.
“For us, security is a top priority. Without security, every other thing collapses,” Otti said.
The governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for selecting Abia State as the venue for its 40th anniversary reunion, describing it as an endorsement of the ongoing reforms in the state.
He assured the group of government support for their planned activities and directed coordination with the Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), to ensure smooth arrangements.
Otti also highlighted his administration’s merit-based approach to appointments, citing Ubah’s selection as evidence of competence-driven governance.
“We recognised his pedigree and competence. If he didn’t merit it, he wouldn’t have been appointed,” the governor stated.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, A.O. Bamidele, said the visit was to formally inform the governor about the upcoming anniversary celebration and seek government support.
Bamidele praised the transformation taking place in Abia State, particularly in Umuahia, describing the changes as remarkable and widely noticeable.
“When I entered Umuahia yesterday, I saw a new heaven, a place that is totally different,” he said.
He commended the governor’s leadership and noted that positive reports about Abia’s development had been gaining attention nationwide.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for the appointment of one of their members, Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), as Special Adviser on Security, pledging continued support for the state’s security initiatives.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and other top aides.
