Abia State Fully Prepared for State Police – Governor Alex Otti Declares

 Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has affirmed that his administration is ready to establish and launch State Police in the state once the federal government gives the final approval.

Speaking during a media parley in Umuahia on Monday, Governor Otti disclosed that the state government has already put machinery in motion to work out the necessary details for the initiative. He noted that the newly appointed manager for Homeland Security is actively working towards actualizing the proposal.34c703

“We are getting ready to launch it once the whistle is blown,” Governor Otti declared emphatically.

The governor’s position comes on the heels of the Presidency’s recent indication that willing states can proceed with establishing their own police formations to address the country’s persistent security challenges.

A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Azubuko Uda, who was present or reacted to the development, strongly backed the move. He argued that Abia is well-positioned to lead in implementing State Police, describing the state as “number one” in readiness.

According to the retired DIG, decentralizing policing would greatly improve security coordination and responsiveness. He emphasized that governors, as chief security officers of their states, need greater control over policing structures to ensure better funding, welfare, and operational efficiency.

“The governor, who funds the police, will ensure they do not suffer manpower shortages, logistics challenges, poor remuneration, or lack of motivation,” Uda stated.

He further highlighted Abia’s strategic importance as a commercial nerve centre, especially Aba, which attracts traders from across West and Central Africa. A well-managed state police system, he said, would better secure these economic corridors and boost investor confidence.

Uda also pointed out that State Police could help address the growing apathy among youths in the South-East towards enlisting in federal security agencies, partly due to security concerns and perceived leadership issues.

However, he cautioned that the transition must be properly planned, inclusive, and guided by experienced stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.

Governor Otti’s declaration aligns with his administration’s sustained focus on security, which has seen Abia consistently ranked among the safest states in the South-East. It also echoes his earlier position that the establishment of State Police is a matter of urgent national priority, provided clear standards on leadership, recruitment, accountability, and human rights are defined.

The development is expected to spark further discussions on police decentralization as a key solution to Nigeria’s multifaceted insecurity challenges.