In a bid to enhance security measures in the state, the Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti has inaugurated the Abia State Security Advisory Council and the Abia Security Trust Fund.
Also inaugurated by the governor is the Abia State Judicial Service Commission.
Inaugurating them at Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti said the state government is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the safety of residents as his government takes security issues very seriously.
Governor Otti stated that his administration prioritises security for the development of the state and underscored the significant progress made by his administration in transforming areas previously plagued by criminal activities into safer environments in the last 11 months in office.
“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”, Otti said
The Governor enjoined 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.
He tasked the Security Trust Fund to work with public and private institutions to raise the resources that would enable the state procure important operational and logistics tools to support various security teams.
While commending the members of the council and trust fund for accepting to serve the people of Abia, the governor urged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear in strengthening government’s efforts in securing lives and property in Abia.
In his response, the Chairman of the Security Advisory Council and a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Abia.
Ihejirika assured that they are committed to the task of looking into the security situation with a view to creating a conducive environment for all and described their task as a very important one.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Security Trust Fund, Chief Stanley Obiamaraije, appreciated the government for the opportunity to serve 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.
The Security Advisory Council which is headed by Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (RTD), has the following as members; 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).
The Security Trust Fund, headed by Chief Stanley Obiamarije has Mr Greg Okafor, Mrs Ngozi Ekeoma, Chief Johnson Chukwu ,Mrs Josephine Nweze ,Mrs Nkechi Obi
and Mr Bank-Anthony Okoroafor as members while members of the Abia State Judicial Service Commission are; Assembly: Mr. Chibuzo Irobi, Mr. Finecountry Iyioku, Prof. Chukwu Udensi and Engr. Moses Ogbonna.