Alex Otti has reiterated that security remains a top priority for his administration, stressing that meaningful development cannot thrive in an unsafe environment.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving members of the Alumni Association of the Seventh Regular Course of the Nigeria Naval College at the Government House in Umuahia.
Speaking during the visit, Otti said his government would continue to place security at the centre of governance in Abia State.
“For us, security is a top priority. Without security, every other thing collapses,” the governor said.
He also appreciated the association for choosing Abia State as the venue for its forthcoming 40th anniversary reunion, describing the decision as a 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,” he stated.
The governor directed his Special Adviser on Security, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, to work closely with the association to ensure smooth coordination and adequate support for the event.
Otti further said the achievements recorded by his administration were only the beginning, assuring residents that more developmental projects were underway.
“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 added.
The governor also defended the appointment of retired Commander MacDonald Ubah as Special Adviser on Security, saying the decision was based strictly on competence and merit.
“Without even knowing that he was your course mate, we appointed Commander McDonald Ubah strictly based on merit. We recognised his pedigree and competence. If he didn’t merit it, he wouldn’t have been appointed,” Otti said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Alumni Association, retired Commodore A.O. Bamidele, said the delegation visited to formally inform the governor about plans for the association’s 40th anniversary reunion and to seek government support for the programme.
“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,” Bamidele said.
He commended the visible transformation in Abia State, particularly in Umuahia and Aba, noting that the developments had attracted positive attention nationwide.
“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.
Bamidele added that reports of infrastructural and environmental improvements in Aba had strengthened public confidence in the state government.
“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,” he stated.
He also appreciated the governor for appointing one of their members as Special Adviser on Security and pledged the association’s support for the state’s security efforts.
“We sincerely thank you for appointing Commander MacDonald Ubah as Special Adviser on Security. We are proud of him and remain committed to supporting your security initiatives in the state,” Bamidele added.
