Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to regional cooperation in the South East, particularly with neighboring Enugu State, to strengthen security across state borders.
Speaking to journalists recently after a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mba, at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti underscored the importance of inter-state collaboration in addressing security challenges.
He stressed that criminal elements displaced from one state could easily migrate to another if unified security strategies are not in place.
“You know, we share boundaries. So, some of the things we discussed are also how to ensure that there is security and that our people are secure in those places.
“If he successfully drives away criminals from there, they will probably end up here,” Otti noted. “So, this kind of cooperation is very important.”
Governor Otti highlighted that both Abia and Enugu States, alongside several others, support the creation of State Police, describing security as inherently local.
He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would soon take concrete steps to establish the framework for State Police across the country.
Echoing his views, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mba, said his visit was aimed at deepening cooperation between the two states, particularly in people-centered governance.
Mba, who described himself and Otti as “private sector players in government,” said collaboration was essential due to their shared boundaries and similar developmental priorities.
“Our focus is largely on governance. We believe that the people are the epicentre of governance. So, what we do, the projects and programs we execute, are all about the people,” Mba explained.
He also commended Governor Otti’s achievements in Abia State, describing his efforts as impactful and far-reaching.
Both governors also discussed the longstanding demand for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast. Otti emphasized that the region, currently with only five states, deserves parity with other geopolitical zones.
The meeting was attended by top officials of the Abia State government, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, and Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.
Credit: Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
