Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.
Otti gave the assurance on Saturday, November 14, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the Government House in Umuahia.
The governor commended the police for their professionalism, dedication and prompt response to security challenges in Abia, recalling several instances when the force responded swiftly to requests for security interventions by his administration.
He expressed appreciation to the police leadership for recognising the importance of protecting citizens and maintaining peace across the country.
Otti also congratulated the Inspector-General on the promotion of the former Commissioner of Police in Abia State to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).
Describing the former commissioner as a professional and tactful officer, the governor said his administration would have preferred to retain him in Abia but acknowledged that his promotion was a positive development for his career.
He expressed confidence that the officer would maintain a cordial relationship with the state despite his new responsibilities.
Earlier, IGP Disu commended Governor Otti for the consistent support his administration had provided to the Abia State Police Command.
The police chief said both the Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector-General had briefed him on the governor’s contributions to policing and the welfare of officers in the state.
He appreciated the governor’s commitment and assured him that the police would intensify efforts to improve security and protect residents.
Disu pledged that the police would continue to discharge their responsibilities effectively to ensure that residents could go about their daily activities without fear.
He 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.
However, he considered it appropriate to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Otti, who serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer, before proceeding to the wedding ceremony.
The governor also used the opportunity to commend the IGP for promoting national unity and inclusiveness through his choice of aides and associates from different parts of the country, irrespective of their ethnic or geographical backgrounds.
Otti particularly acknowledged that some of the police chief’s close aides came from different parts of Nigeria, including Ohafia in Abia State.
He described the development as a positive example of national integration, mutual trust and the need for Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and tribal differences.
The governor urged citizens to embrace unity and recognise that Nigerians share a common identity despite their different backgrounds.
He stressed that excessive attention to ethnic and geographical affiliations could undermine the country’s collective progress, calling on public officials and citizens to promote peaceful coexistence.
The IGP was accompanied on the visit by his wife, AIG Afolabi, several Commissioners of Police and other senior police officers.
Government officials who received the police delegation 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 senior government functionaries.
The visit further highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Abia State Government and the Nigeria Police Force in tackling security challenges and ensuring the safety of residents.
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