Otti, Mba Meet in Abia, Push for Stronger South-East Security Collaboration
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his commitment to regional security and economic collaboration through stronger ties with fellow South-East leaders, particularly the Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mba.
The two governors met at the Government House in Umuahia for a closed-door session that focused on cross-border security, economic alignment, and joint policy direction. Speaking after the meeting, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of regional coordination in dealing with criminal activity.
“If Enugu expels criminals and we don’t act in Abia, those elements will simply migrate here. That’s why security must be handled collectively, not in isolation,” Otti explained. He noted that border communities, often neglected in strategy planning, are the first to suffer when states operate without coordination.
A key point of agreement between the two leaders was the urgent need for state policing, which they said would allow governors to take more control of local security dynamics. Otti joined Mba in calling on the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of state police, stressing that “security, like politics, is inherently local.”
In addition to security, Governor Otti threw his weight behind long-standing calls for the creation of an additional state in the South East, noting that the region remains the only one in Nigeria with just five states, compared to six or more in other geopolitical zones.
“We’re not asking for favors. We’re demanding fairness. One more state will help us catch up in representation, allocation, and development,” Otti stated.
Governor Mba, in his remarks, said the visit was both strategic and symbolic. Coming from the private sector like Otti, he noted that their similar backgrounds fuel a shared focus on people-centered governance, results, and infrastructure-led growth.
“Our people must be at the center of everything we do,” Mba said. “This visit is about comparing notes, aligning priorities, and building momentum that benefits both Abia and Enugu.”
He also commended Governor Otti for the impressive development strides seen across Abia, particularly in infrastructure and governance reforms.
Present at the high-level meeting were top Abia State officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, and Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.
The visit is seen as a positive step toward deeper South-East integration, not just in security but in economic planning, infrastructure development, and political coordination.
