Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration's policy of non-interference with security agencies, emphasizing that this approach stems from a commitment to transparency and integrity. His remarks came during a send-off ceremony held in Umuahia for outgoing service commanders who have recently been transferred.

Otti expressed gratitude to the outgoing commanders for their dedication and hard work in maintaining security within the state. He acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel, stating, "A lot of you don’t sleep, so that the rest of us can sleep," highlighting the sacrifices made by these officers in their duties.

During the ceremony, Otti explained that his administration's non-interference is rooted in a belief that there is nothing to hide. "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," he said. This statement reflects his administration's philosophy of allowing security agencies to operate independently while providing the necessary support for their operations.

The governor noted that the collaboration between his administration and the security commanders has yielded impressive results, reinforcing the importance of a strong partnership in tackling security challenges. He assured the outgoing commanders that the relationships built during their tenure would remain cordial, offering them the opportunity to return and contribute to the state’s development if they so wished.

In his remarks, Emmanuel Meribole, the Secretary to the State Government, commended the outgoing commanders for their contributions to the state’s security architecture. He stated that the peace currently enjoyed in Abia is a direct result of their sacrifices and dedication.

The outgoing commanders, including Brig Gen H.M. Bello of the 14 Brigade, AIG Danladi Isa, the state Commissioner of Police, and Ibrahim Sarki, the State Director of the Department of State Services, expressed their appreciation for Otti's support and non-interference. They acknowledged that this approach has significantly contributed to improved security in the state, stating, "Abia is today safe because of this."

Retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, also addressed the gathering, encouraging the new security commanders to follow the example set by their predecessors and maintain the cooperative spirit established with the state government.

This ceremony not only served to honor the outgoing commanders but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Abia State government to fostering a secure environment through effective collaboration with security agencies.