NEWS
SECURITY WITHOUT BIAS: GOV. OTTI WARNS AGAINST ETHNIC PROFILING, EXTENDS OKON AKU CRISIS PROBE, AND REAFFIRMS LAW-AND-ORDER AGENDA IN ABIA
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has issued a strong warning against the dangerous trend of profiling criminals along ethnic or regional lines, reiterating that crime has no tribe, region, or identity, and must be treated strictly as a violation of the law.
On security, Governor Otti cautioned against profiling criminals along ethnic or regional lines, stressing that criminality should not be associated with any particular group.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday during the March edition of his interactive session, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Banquet Hall in Umuahia.
Addressing critical concerns around safety and internal security, the Governor used the platform to reinforce his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, while promoting unity, fairness, and justice across all divides.
Governor Otti also clarified that the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up to investigate the Okon Aku community crisis was extended from its initial 30-day timeline to 60 days.
The extension, according to the Governor, is aimed at ensuring a thorough and unbiased investigation into the crisis, allowing the panel sufficient time to carefully examine all facts and submissions before arriving at credible conclusions that would foster lasting peace in the affected community.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, particularly on issues such as herdsmen-related conflicts, stressing that while the government will not tolerate destruction of farmlands, citizens must not take laws into their own hands.
In a candid reflection on the nature of crime within communities, the Governor highlighted a critical but often overlooked reality that criminal activities are not always perpetrated by strangers.
He noted that perpetrators of crimes, including housebreaking, are sometimes locals, including relatives and acquaintances, rather than outsiders.
“Profiling herdsmen as coming from a particular section of the country may not be very correct.
“We do not discriminate whether you are from the North, South, East or West. If you break the law, we will treat you as an offender and if you do well, we will reward you as a good citizen,” he stated.
These remarks underscore the Governor’s commitment to fairness, justice, and equality before the law, regardless of ethnic or regional affiliations.
He further emphasised that the present administration runs an inclusive government, pointing out that individuals from across the country have been recruited into government positions based on merit.
Governor Otti also called on residents to actively support security efforts by providing credible and timely information to relevant authorities.
The Governor urged residents with credible security information to report directly to relevant authorities, assuring that such reports would be treated promptly.
Looking ahead, Governor Otti touched on ongoing efforts toward strengthening security architecture in the state, particularly in relation to the proposed establishment of state police structures.
On the proposed establishment of a state police force, in line with federal directives, Governor Otti noted that his administration is making the necessary preparations and would implement the initiative in due course.
The Governor’s message resonates as a clear call for unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility, as his administration continues to prioritize the protection of lives and property while fostering a just and inclusive society in Abia State.