The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Security in Umunneochi, Abia State, recently paid a visit to Governor Alex Otti to commend his significant efforts in restoring security and order in the state. The Committee, under the leadership of Hon. Obi Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, was particularly impressed by Governor Otti’s determined approach to dismantling criminal operations that had long plagued the Lokpanta Cattle Market area, situated along the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba Expressway.
This visit marked the culmination of the Committee’s thorough investigative work, which included extensive interactions with various stakeholders, such as security agencies, traditional leaders, and local residents from the Umunneochi area. They sought to gather firsthand information and insights into the security situation in the region.
During their interaction with Governor Otti, several members of the Committee shared their experiences from a townhall meeting that had been organized as part of their fact-finding mission. Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, who represents Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, narrated his observations as they approached Lokpanta, noting a noticeable transformation in the area. He recalled asking his colleague, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, about the improvements and was informed that Governor Otti had taken decisive action to cleanse the environment and expel the hoodlums that had found shelter there.
He said, “Your Excellency, as we approached Lokpanta, we saw a different environment, at which point I asked Godwin (Hon Amobi Godwin Ogah) what is happening here? So much has happened there. He told us that together with himself, that you have taken a decision to do the needful, to sanitize the environment and chase out the hoodlums who are being harbored there. A lot of praises for you, but at some point, we told them, keep those praises, let us have what we can do or tell the National Assembly to get this insecurity behind us.”
Hon. Eze went on to highlight the requests made by the stakeholders during the townhall meeting, including the need to fence the market and prevent individuals from residing too close to the area. He commended Governor Otti for already taking action on many of these requests.
Rt. Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, who represents Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, commending Governor Otti for his proactive approach to security in the region. He explained, “Yes, we were there at the townhall meeting. Like my colleague said, you have really done a lot in respect of security because whoever got up to speak would always commend you for your efforts, even the security personnel there confirmed that. I want to appreciate you specifically for that.”
In response to the praise and acknowledgment from the federal lawmakers, Governor Otti expressed his gratitude for their encouraging words. He emphasized that criminality knows no tribe or religion, and his government’s priority is the safety and well-being of all residents in Abia, regardless of their origins.
He stated, “Our government knows no Northerner, Southerner, Easterner. We believe that anybody who is a Nigerian should be protected. Development can never happen when there is insecurity. We want to develop our place, and the best thing to do is to ensure that our people are secured.”
Governor Otti further reiterated his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community who may not have the means to rent houses, while emphasizing that his government would not segregate communities based on specific groups.
One of the strategic steps taken by the Abia State Government to ensure lasting security and order in the area is the transformation of the renowned Lokpanta cattle market into a daily and general-purpose market. This conversion will allow residents to purchase various items, including electronics, textile materials, and food products, in addition to cattle.
Governor Otti appreciated the federal lawmakers for their support and encouraged them to convey the state’s ongoing efforts to the National Assembly. He welcomed any support they could offer in the form of funding for projects, such as fencing the market and modernizing the shops to meet 21st-century standards. He also emphasized his commitment to providing assistance to the vulnerable members of the market community, ensuring they have access to housing in nearby villages.
The members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Security in Umunneochi expressed their gratitude to Governor Otti for his remarkable achievements in enhancing security in the region. They pledged to support the state’s initiatives and work together to bring lasting peace and prosperity to Umunneochi. The Committee members, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, Rt. Hon. Jonas Okeke, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Hon. Emeka Nnamani, Abdullahi Abba Kabir (Ad-hoc Committee Clerk), and Busaris Adegbola (Ad-hoc Committee Deputy Clerk), were united in their commitment to fostering a safer and more secure environment for the people of Abia State.
Dr. Charles Chinekezi Is A Professional Journalist And Chartered Management Professor (C.M.P.)