It is public knowledge that In recent times, the preponderance of insecurity in Abia state has risen to alarming proportions, sending most residents into a state of perpetual anxiety.
While my Governor has purchased some units of brand new customized bulletproof SUVs to secure himself and his family, criminality has escalated in geometric magnitude and Abians are left at the mercy of criminals with no intentional effort to protect them.
Its manifestations are seen in the astronomical surge in kidnapping, armed robbery, Unknown gunmen, Snatching of Vehicles, burglary, and destruction of innocent lives and properties.
The incidences have become so worrisome that residents of Aba and Umuahia have seemingly resigned to fate while Abians in the diaspora are now scared to visit home for fear of being attacked, kidnapped, or even lose their lives.
Unlike other Governors that were sworn in the same day, Dr. Otti has not made any deliberate effort to secure the lives and properties of Abians other than empty rhetorics and photoshoots.
Within the last one month while my Governor was busy junketting around in private jets and taking photoshoots in Abuja, there has been an alarming surge in the rate of violent crimes across the state, two Abia based journalists had their vehicles stolen, a popular lawyer was kidnapped, a minibus and two tricycles were reportedly burnt by hoodlums in broad daylight at Aba and the occupants were lucky to have escaped alive, my cousin was kidnapped right in front of his gate in Umuahia, and a close friend escaped being robbed or kidnapped a few days ago around the upstairs line junction in Umuahia, a known radio commentator was kidnapped with other passengers onboard a public transport enroute aba from Umuahia, these are some of the everyday tales of violent crimes that I personally recorded while official statistics suggest that violent crimes are on the rise and have become a daily occurrence in the once peaceful and secure state of Abia.
Security is a social contract between the government and the citizens, Dr. Otti during the campaign promised to secure and protect the lives and properties of Abians but like payment of salaries/pensions, waste management, Julius Beger, and other campaign promises made to curry favour with voters, governor Otti is either at a loss of what to do or does not care much about the poor state of security in the state even as he has been receiving security votes, federal allocations, internally generated revenues, and other huge Accruals from the federal government.
The Ikpeazu administration has an already established successful homegrown security module that you can adopt, which was achieved through intentional planning, research, and strategic investment, it contains both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, beyond political denials and propaganda even you can testify to its success.
I may not be totally wrong if I dare say that under your watch Abia is on the descent, but if you can eschew pride and call for the Ikpeazu approach, Abia will return to its former status as the most secure, peaceful, and safe state in the southeast.
Your Excellency, I hope this piece won’t earn me 2 billion Naira suit
Uche Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia
Opinion: Insecurity: Why Gov Otti Should Come Down From His High Horse To Safeguard The Lives And Properties Of Abians By Uche Aguoru
