Otti Hosts Maiden South-East Security Summit as FG, Regional Leaders Unite Against Insecurity

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

UMUAHIA – Umuahia, the Abia State capital, yesterday played host to the Federal Government, South-East state governments, heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders in the security sector at the maiden South-East Regional Security Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Hosted by Governor Alex Otti, the summit was convened to address the worsening security challenges across the South-East through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and stronger community engagement.

Declaring the summit open, the Minister of Defence and convener, Major General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), said the gathering, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthen Security and Regional Stability,” was designed to foster stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and local communities in developing coordinated strategies for restoring peace, improving intelligence sharing and enhancing regional stability.

He noted that the summit would also provide participants with an opportunity to deliberate on practical strategies for strengthening inter-state security cooperation, intelligence gathering, community policing and other measures aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability across the South-East.

In his address, the host Governor, Dr Alex Otti, described the summit’s theme as timely and insightful, saying it reflects the next phase of efforts to consolidate recent gains in intelligence sharing, resource mobilisation and the collective commitment to the prosperity of the South-East.

Governor Otti, whose speech was titled “Security and Freedom,” said his administration had significantly reduced crime and criminality in Abia State through sustained support for security agencies, investment in surveillance technology and public enlightenment campaigns.

He stressed the need to identify and prosecute those who supply illicit drugs, traffic illegal arms and provide shelter for criminal elements.

The Governor observed that the summit was coming at a crucial time, given the approaching electioneering season, and expressed hope that discussions would focus on curbing political violence, creating an enabling environment for the peaceful exchange of democratic ideas and implementing practical solutions to protect communities from crime and insecurity.

In their goodwill messages, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Moses Ije Odunwa,  and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Chima Ogbonna (Rtd.), reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaboration with community leaders, security agencies and the Federal Government to enhance security across their respective states.

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Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Senator representing Katsina Central Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said insecurity must not be allowed to undermine the South-East’s economic potential and investment opportunities.

He noted that sustainable peace and security remain essential for attracting investment, stimulating economic growth and unlocking the region’s vast development potential.

Senator Yar’Adua also stressed the need for the adoption of modern security technologies and stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies and local communities to effectively combat criminality across the country.

Other participants, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also emphasised the importance of strengthening inter-state security cooperation, intelligence gathering, community policing and other proactive measures to restore lasting peace and stability in the South-East.

The summit also featured a presentation on the security situation in the South-East by the National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and was attended by prominent dignitaries from across the country.