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Oil smuggling/illegal bunkering: Crude oil thieves, illegal refiners are enemies of the state- Governor Otti.

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……urges action

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has described those who engage in the stealing and illegal refining of the nation’s crude oil as enemies of the state who should be treated as such.

Consequently, Governor Otti urged members of the Joint Task Force South South, Operation Delta Safe, to intensify their fight against oil theft and illegal operation of refineries in the state.

The Governor came up with this position on Friday, when he received a delegation of the sector commanders of the Joint Task Force team, saddled with the responsibility of securing oil and gas operations in 10 states of the South South, South East, and South West.

He condemned the activities of illegal refiners in Abia and warned that they would face legal prosecution if caught.

“Those who operate illegal refineries and other activities, those are the enemies of the state and should be treated as such.”Be they in Aba or in Ukwa or Port Harcourt or Bayelsa or any of the other 10 states, where you operate, the long arm of the government must be made to catch up with them.

“For us, we do not support any illegality by anybody in any form. You can take it for granted that we, as a government, will give you all the support to carry out your operation here,” Governor Otti said.

He implored the task force to also work to secure the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) at Owaza, in Ukwa West and assured them of the support of the State Government in terms of logistics and intelligence sharing to make their assignment easier.Governor Otti, while describing security as a top priority of his government, emphasised that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.

He pointed out that citizens of Abia state had enjoyed relative peace within the last one year, until the incident at Obikabia Junction, on Thursday, May 30, where five soldiers of the Nigerian army were brutally assassinated by criminals, adding that government was working round the clock to unravel the perpetrators and consequently bring them to book.

The Commander, Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral John Okeke, said he was in Abia to familiarise with the state as one of their coverage areas in the fight against oil theft and illegal refineries among the oil producing states.Rear Admiral Okeke, who used the opportunity to acquaint the Governor of activities of the task force, said that part of their mandate is to curb illegal activities in the oil and gas sector.

“The Federal Government thought it wise to come up with Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe with a mandate to protect oil and gas infrastructure and stop militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other forms of militancy that could impact negatively on the economic activities, with emphasis on the oil and gas sector,” Okeke said.

He assured that the task force would collaborate with the state government as well as other security agencies in the area of information sharing, adding that they were determined to curb illicit activities within their areas of operation.Rear Admiral Okeke solicited for the support of the State Government in the area of logistics to enable them achieve their mandate.

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Internal Security: Governor Otti reveals security is priority in Abia

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By Editor , Umuahia

Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has attributed the relative peace in the state to the team work that is evident among security agencies in the state.

The governor stated this while speaking to a team from the office of the National Security Adviser during a working visit to him in his country home in Nvosi.

In a press statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the governor told the team led by Barr. Abdullahi Bello that “all efforts towards a safe, peaceful and secured Abia may not be in the public domain, all that matters is the results being achieved.

‘These efforts manifested in the just concluded yuletide as there were little or no reports of security breaches across the State,” Gov. Otti noted.

Governor Otti said that his administration attaches priority to issues of security. He noted that the most important part of governance is security, adding that if security is threatened, nothing works.

Governor Otti said that the visit provided opportunity for both parties to learn from one another.

“For us, the most important part of governance is security. If security fails, every other thing fails, so we attach top priority to issues around security, that is why we’re excited to have you here to give us all the support that you can and you too can learn from us,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Barr. Abdullahi Bello said that they were in the state for “victim impact assessment.” He commended Governor Otti for his various achievements, especially in the areas of infrastructure and security.

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Strengthening policing: Abia CP Isa receives Abia born new constables

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has received a total of 199 new constables of Abia State origin deployed to serve in the state.

Addressing the constables, he reminded them of the reason of their deployment to their local communities to begin service.

This is in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) which is to promote community policing and foster people-friendly practices.

CP Isa further urged them to make good use of the training and discipline instilled in them at the police college.

He instructed them to remain civil, professional, and to shun all forms of corruption, indiscipline, misconduct, or any behavior unbecoming of an officer.

He further warned that any such actions would attract necessary disciplinary measures.

He advised them to learn practical police functions diligently and to carry out their duties in the fear of God.

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Human angle

Humanitarian act: Mrs. Otti donates cash, food items, groceries, others to Charity homes in Abia state.

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By Editor, Umuahia

The wife of the Abia state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has extended her benevolence to six orphanages in Aba and Umuahia.

She a total cash donation of six million to the six centres as support to the vulnerable groups with each home receiving a million naira.

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There were also gifts of 50kg bags of rice, (30), other food supplies, and toiletries.

In her milk of kindness, caregivers in each facility were given cash support to appreciate their dedication and hard work.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the less privileged and ensuring their welfare is made a priority .

She applauded the coordinators and caregivers for their selfless dedication to humanitarian services, particularly their care for vulnerable children.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Maureen Aghukwa, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation and Vulnerable Groups, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her impactful initiative of appreciating the caregivers for their tireless efforts in providing care and support.

In their various responses, leaders of the benefitting homes, including Rev. Sister Maria Anita Ogbonna of DMMM compassionate home and Madam Oyibo Okonkwo of Agape Charity Home commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti and his wife for their compassion and focus on the welfare of less privileged homes.

They prayed for God’s blessings and wisdom upon them as they continue to serve the state.

Recall that earlier in the year, Mrs. Otti personally visited Susana Homes at Ukwa East, where she donated ₦1,000,000, Bags of rice, food items, and other essentials to further support their operations.

The benefitting homes of the donations are DMMM compassionate home, Ahiaeke- ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,000, Agape Charity Home, Avodim, Ipupe-Amuba Ubakala – ₦1,000,000Caregivers: ₦150,0003, So-Said Charity Homes for Vulnerable Persons, Amibo : ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,0004.

Also St. Vincent De Paul Center for Mentally and Physically Challenged Persons, Umuafai Ndume Ibeku: ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,000, Ngwa Road Motherless Babies Home – ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦150,000 and SDA Motherless Babies Home: ₦1,000,000, Caregivers: ₦100,000.

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