Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force, saying the security of lives and property remains a top priority of his government.
Otti gave the assurance on Saturday, November 14, 2026, when the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia.
The governor commended the police for their professionalism and prompt response to security challenges in the state, recalling instances when the force had swiftly responded to requests for intervention by his administration.
“Thank you for what you do for the country. Thank you for the professionalism of the Force and for making everyone realise that the safety and security of the people is paramount.
“We have had instances where we called upon you and you responded swiftly,” Otti said.
He also congratulated the IGP on the promotion of the former Commissioner of Police in Abia to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, describing the officer’s service in the state as professional and tactful.
According to the governor, the former police commissioner demonstrated commitment and competence in handling security matters, adding that although Abia would have preferred to retain him, his elevation was a welcome development.
“He demonstrated professionalism and tact in the discharge of his duties. If not that it is a promotion, we would have resisted it, but we believe it is good for him to move on,” Otti stated.
The governor expressed optimism that the officer would continue to maintain cordial relations with Abia despite his new responsibilities.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police commended Otti for the sustained support his administration had extended to the Abia State Police Command.
Disu said both the Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police had briefed him on the governor’s assistance to the force, expressing appreciation for his commitment to the welfare of police officers and effective policing.
He assured the governor that the police would intensify efforts to protect lives and property and ensure residents enjoyed improved security.
“I will give you my word that we will continue to do our best to ensure proper policing so that people of the State will be able to sleep with their two eyes closed,” the IGP said.
Disu explained that his visit to Abia was primarily to attend the traditional marriage ceremony of his orderly, Victor Nnah Sunday, at Amangwu, Abaki-Ndoki, in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
He said he considered it appropriate to pay homage to the governor, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, before proceeding to the wedding venue.
Otti also used the occasion to commend Disu for demonstrating national inclusiveness through his choice of aides and associates from different parts of the country, irrespective of ethnic or geographical backgrounds.
He particularly noted that some of the IGP’s close aides were from different parts of the country, including Ohafia in Abia State, describing the development as an example of national unity and mutual confidence.
The governor urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and tribal considerations, stressing that citizens should see themselves as one people and promote unity in their relationships.
“We want to thank you and also encourage everyone to emulate you. Sometimes, when we pay so much attention to locality, tribal sentiments and all those things, we forget that we are one and the same people created by God,” he said.
The IGP was accompanied by his wife, AIG Afolabi, some Commissioners of Police and other senior police officers.
Government officials present included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr Mathew Ekwuribe; and other top government functionaries.
