Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the adequate security of lives and property in Abia.

Mr Otti said this on Thursday when the flag officer commanding the Naval Training Command, Lagos, Rear Admiral Ignatius Albara, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

Mr Albara was in Abia on a familiarisation tour of the Nigeria Navy College of Accounting and Finance, Owerrinta.

The governor described security as a major determinant of the achievement of government initiatives.

He added that this informed his decision to prioritise security in his rebuilding agenda.

Otti said, “We’ve been working in close partnership with the college and Eyitayo (O.E Eyitayo, Commandant, Nigeria Navy College of Accounting and Finance) is part of our government; virtually everything we do regarding security, he is involved.”

The Abia governor added, “We take security very seriously, and it is the number one item on our agenda, simply because all the initiatives we have will come to nought if security fails.

“In the last 10 months, we have been able to collectively work with the Police, the Army, DSS, Civil Defence, NDLEA to ensure that this place is crime-free.

“We set up an inter agency operation called “Operation Crush” and we have men drawn from different security agencies who are dedicated 24/7 to ensure maximum security.”

He expressed delight over the successes recorded in enhancing security through the Operation Crush programme in Abia.

Mr Otti appealed to the Nigerian Navy to support sending more personnel to the state to strengthen the government’s efforts to sustain security.

Mr Albara said he was in the state for a familiarisation tour to the Nigerian Navy College of Accounting and Finance, Owerrinta.

“It is customary that when one takes over office, you familiarise yourself with what is happening at the professional schools and to evaluate and see the challenges they have.

“It is on that note that we are here today to visit the college of finance,” he explained.

Mr Albara thanked the governor for his support of the college and for making their work easy. 

(NAN)