In a significant move to bolster security and enhance law enforcement efficiency, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially handed over five newly refurbished and retrofitted Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles to the Nigerian Police Force. This milestone event, which took place at the Government House in Umuahia, underscores the governor’s commitment to security, good governance, and responsible asset management.
During the handover ceremony, Governor Otti reflected on the poor state of the vehicles when his administration assumed office 20 months ago. He described how the APCs, which were meant to aid security operations, had been left in a state of severe disrepair, abandoned within government premises and rendered completely unusable.
“When we came in exactly 20 months ago, on the 29th of May 2023, we saw these vehicles littered around in a very terrible state of disrepair. They were rusty, damaged, and unfit for service. It was disheartening to see such valuable public assets left to waste,” Governor Otti remarked.
Understanding the critical role of these vehicles in ensuring the safety of Abia residents, the governor took the bold initiative to refurbish them rather than procure new ones at exorbitant costs. He explained that after evaluating the condition of the vehicles, his administration realized that with the right expertise and commitment, they could be restored to full functionality at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new ones.
“Being that I know these vehicles have a long staying power, we took a very principal decision to refurbish one or two of them. By the time we started, we found out that it was not too difficult, and therefore I authorized that about six of them be repaired.”
Today, five of those six vehicles have been successfully retrofitted and are now as good as new. The last one, he noted, has been taken to Abuja for further repairs and will soon be returned to service. Governor Otti emphasized that the restoration of these APCs is not just about saving costs but also about demonstrating the importance of a maintenance culture in public administration.
“A lot of things that we throw away can be easily fixed, and we have demonstrated it. It is all about maintenance, and our belief is that never again will we allow our assets to dilapidate to this level. As a government, we must be responsible stewards of public resources.”
The Importance of a Maintenance Culture
Governor Otti used the opportunity to stress the significance of instilling a maintenance culture in public institutions. He lamented that neglect of government-owned assets often leads to unnecessary financial waste, as funds that could have been used for other developmental projects are diverted to replacing neglected infrastructure.
“We must learn to maintain what we have. If these vehicles had been properly maintained over the years, we wouldn’t have found them in such deplorable conditions. That is why, under my watch, we are instituting a strong maintenance culture to ensure that all government assets, including vehicles, buildings, and equipment, are regularly serviced and kept in optimal condition.”
The governor further urged the officers who would be entrusted with these APCs to handle them with care and conduct routine maintenance checks to ensure their longevity. He highlighted that preventive maintenance is always more cost-effective than extensive repairs or outright replacements.
“I charge the men who will use these vehicles to ensure that they are handled carefully. Any minor issue should be repaired promptly because neglecting small faults can lead to bigger, more expensive problems. If you fail to maintain a vehicle, you will end up spending two to three times more on repairs in the long run.”
Strengthening Security in Abia State
Beyond the issue of maintenance, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security in Abia State. He acknowledged that the safety of residents and businesses is a top priority and pledged to continue supporting the police and other security agencies in their efforts to combat crime.
“Security is a crucial aspect of governance. No society can thrive in an atmosphere of lawlessness and insecurity. That is why my administration is committed to providing all necessary support to law enforcement agencies to ensure that our people can go about their daily activities without fear.”
He noted that the refurbished APCs would enhance the operational capacity of the police, enabling them to respond swiftly to security threats and maintain law and order across the state.
“These vehicles will help in crime prevention, riot control, and general security operations. They will provide better mobility for our police officers, ensuring that they can respond more effectively to emergencies and threats.”
Police Commissioner Appreciates Governor Otti’s Support
In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner of Police for Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otti for his unwavering support towards improving security in the state. He noted that the governor’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and have made a significant impact on the efficiency of the police force.
“Your Excellency, we are immensely grateful for your continued support. It is evident to everyone that you are committed to ensuring the safety of the people of Abia State. These APCs will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and we assure you that they will be put to good use.”
CP Isa also pledged that the police force would uphold the maintenance culture that the governor has emphasized. He assured that the vehicles would be serviced regularly to ensure they remain in top condition for a long time.
“We will ensure that these vehicles are properly maintained. They will not be abandoned or misused. We understand the importance of keeping them in good condition, and we will do our best to ensure their longevity.”
A New Era of Accountability and Efficiency
Governor Otti’s decision to refurbish and return these APCs to service represents a broader vision for Abia State—one that prioritizes accountability, efficiency, and sustainable governance. His administration’s approach serves as a model for other states, demonstrating that with the right leadership, public resources can be managed more effectively to serve the people.
By focusing on maintenance rather than replacement, Governor Otti has saved the state millions of naira that would have been spent on procuring new APCs. More importantly, he has set a precedent for future administrations on the importance of resource management.
As the refurbished vehicles roll out for active service, the people of Abia State can take comfort in knowing that their government is committed to protecting lives and property while ensuring that public assets are judiciously managed. This development sends a strong message that under Governor Otti’s leadership, wastefulness will no longer be tolerated, and every asset will be put to good use.
The governor’s vow that “never again will public assets be allowed to deteriorate” signals a new era in governance—one driven by responsibility, efficiency, and a commitment to delivering tangible results for the people of Abia State.