The Abia State Government on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, held a send-off ceremony in honour of outgoing service commanders who served in the State and have recently been transferred. The event took place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, expressed appreciation to the outgoing commanders for their sacrifices and commitment to securing the State.
“I want to thank the outgoing service commanders for their sacrifices, for their hard work, for their cooperation, and for their discipline in working with everyone to secure this State.
“Sometimes, some people may not understand, particularly if you are not in the security cycle. It’s one of the most difficult jobs. A lot of you don’t sleep, so that the rest of us can sleep.
“So, I relied on all of you, and because we take it very seriously, and because we also have God on our side, the results have been very impressive,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, while responding to the commanders’ commendation on his non-interference in security matters, explained the administration’s position.
“The reason we don’t interfere is that we have nothing to hide. And for us, what is right is right. If it is not right, it’s not right.
“Because I won’t pick up my phone and call the Commissioner of Police or anybody to say, ‘ Release somebody. Once you start doing that, then you’ve started losing it,” Gov. Otti stressed.
Governor Otti assured the outgoing commanders that the cordial relationship built with the State Government would be sustained despite their relocation. He noted that as a hospitable people, Abians would continue to extend goodwill to them.
He further disclosed that additional parting gifts had been arranged for them and would be delivered by the Special Adviser on Security.
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meríbeole, commended the outgoing commanders for serving at a time when security was prioritised by the government. He noted that through collaboration, they helped to strengthen the security architecture of the State.
Dr. Meríbeole wished them well in their new postings and urged the service commanders still serving in the State to remain resolute in securing Abia.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), recalled that the Governor had earlier organised a befitting send-off for the former Brigade Commander, adding that honouring security commanders has now become a tradition under the Otti administration.
Commander Ubah thanked the Governor for providing the basic support and logistics required for security operations. He urged the current service commanders to emulate their outgoing colleagues. He further stated that further appreciation packages had been provided by the Governor for the outgoing officers.
In their goodwill messages, the outgoing service commanders commended Governor Otti for his friendly disposition towards security agencies in Abia State.
They included:
- Brigadier General Hassan Muhammed Bello – immediate past Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia
- AIG Danladi Isah – immediate past Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, now Assistant Inspector General of Police
- Mr. Ibrahim Sariki – immediate past State Director, Department of State Services
- Commandant Akinsola Aderemi – immediate past State Commander, NSCDC, Abia Command
- Commandant Chigbu Odoemelam Chile – immediate past Commander, NDLEA, Abia Command
The officers described Governor Otti as the bedrock of their successes in Abia, noting that they were motivated and provided with all necessary logistics.
They added that Abians are fortunate to have a compassionate and security-friendly Governor who does not delay in implementing policies that make security a top priority. According to them, Abia is now the most secure State in the federation.
The ceremony was attended by many government dignitaries and stakeholders.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 19, 2026.
