Why I don’t instruct security chiefs to free suspects from detention – Gov Otti
Abia State Governor Affirms Non-Interference with Military Operations
Umuahia, Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to not interfere in the operations of military and security leaders in the state. His remarks came during a send-off ceremony for outgoing military and paramilitary commanders on Wednesday.
During the event, Otti emphasized that it is inappropriate for a governor to instruct a Commissioner of Police or any security chief to release a suspect before a thorough investigation has been conducted. He warned that such actions could undermine the professionalism of security personnel, particularly in the context of combating insecurity.
“We don’t interfere because we have nothing to hide. What is right is right; what is not right, is not right,” Otti stated. “I will not call the Commissioner of Police or anyone to say, ‘Release somebody.’ Once you start doing that, you’ve begun to lose control.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the officers for their contributions to peace in Abia State. He assured the departing commanders that the positive relationships developed with the state government would continue, despite their upcoming relocations.
Among those honored were Brigadier General Hassan Muhammed Bello, the former Brigade Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, based in Ohafia; AIG Danladi Isah, the former Commissioner of Police; Mr. Ibrahim Sariki, the former State Director of the Department of State Services; Aderemi Akinsola of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; and Commandant Chigbu Odoemelam Chile of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Abia Command.
