NEWS
Gov. Otti Hails Outgoing Navy Commandant, Quadri for Strengthening Security in Abia, Assures Successor of Government’s Support
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has applauded the outgoing Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, Navy Commodore Tunde Quadri, for his professionalism, dedication and outstanding contributions to security collaboration in the state during his 19-month tenure.
Governor Otti gave the commendation when Commodore Quadri paid him a farewell visit alongside his successor, Navy Commodore Emmanuel Onu, following the formal handover of leadership at the naval institution.
The Governor described the outgoing Commandant as a highly professional and committed officer whose relationship with the Abia State Government had been remarkably productive, particularly in strengthening inter-agency cooperation and advancing the state’s security architecture.
He specifically acknowledged Commodore Quadri’s contributions to the state’s Monthly Security Council Meetings, noting that his interventions and perspectives consistently extended beyond matters directly relating to the Nigerian Navy and reflected a broader commitment to the security and stability of Abia.
Governor Otti disclosed that the outgoing Commandant had become an integral part of the Abia family, revealing that there were initial efforts to retain him in the state because of the value he brought to the security community.
He, however, acknowledged that the officer’s transfer was consistent with the Nigerian Navy’s posting tradition, which generally allows senior officers to serve between 18 and 24 months in a particular location.
The Governor also commended the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance for maintaining a productive partnership with his administration, expressing satisfaction with the successful execution of four projects at the institution through their collaborative efforts.
Welcoming the incoming Commandant, Navy Commodore Emmanuel Onu, Governor Otti assured him of the Abia State Government’s continued cooperation and support, urging him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and strive for even greater accomplishments.
He emphasised that his administration believed that every successor should aim to surpass the achievements of the person before him, describing such an attitude as essential for institutional growth and sustainable development.
The Governor further encouraged the new Commandant to maintain open communication with the state government and identify areas where additional assistance could enhance the operations, infrastructure and overall effectiveness of the college.
Reaffirming the strategic importance of the Nigerian Navy within Nigeria’s security architecture, Governor Otti noted that the success of security institutions operating in Abia was equally a success for the state.
He assured Commodore Onu that the Monthly Security Council Meetings would remain an important platform for exchanging intelligence, addressing emerging security challenges and strengthening cooperation among the various security agencies operating in the state.
Governor Otti also disclosed that the state government would formally celebrate the outgoing Commandant in recognition of his service and contributions to Abia, with a suitable date to be agreed upon with him.
Earlier, the outgoing Commandant, Navy Commodore Tunde Quadri, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otti for the hospitality, institutional support and cordial working relationship extended to him and the Nigerian Navy throughout his 19 months in Abia.
Describing his tenure as challenging but rewarding, Commodore Quadri revealed that his posting to Abia was a return to familiar territory, having first served in the state in 2004 as a young naval officer.
He said his second experience in Abia had been particularly memorable, highlighting the Governor’s leadership approach, strategic foresight and deliberate commitment to creating an enabling environment for security agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
The outgoing Commandant particularly praised Governor Otti for respecting the professional independence of security agencies by maintaining an appropriate distance from their operational activities while providing the necessary institutional support, encouragement and cooperation.
According to him, the Governor’s approach has contributed to Abia’s growing reputation as a welcoming and supportive environment for security personnel, with many officers reportedly expressing interest in serving in the state.
Commodore Quadri also formally introduced his successor, Navy Commodore Emmanuel Onu, whom he described as a highly experienced naval officer, a member of Regular Course 12 and a senior officer with more than three decades of service.
He expressed confidence in Commodore Onu’s capacity to sustain the progress recorded during his tenure and take the institution’s relationship with the Abia State Government to greater heights.
The outgoing Commandant equally appreciated Governor Otti for personally attending the commissioning of projects at the naval college and providing the resources and support that contributed to their successful completion.
He recalled that during the Governor’s visit to the institution, Otti had identified the need for additional accommodation facilities for naval officers and personnel, expressing optimism that the proposed intervention would receive further attention from the state government.
In his remarks, the incoming Commandant, Navy Commodore Emmanuel Onu, pledged to sustain the achievements of his predecessor while strengthening the longstanding partnership between the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance and the Abia State Government.
Commodore Onu, who disclosed that his last visit to Abia was in 2005 during his Basic Course, described Governor Otti’s support for the Nigerian Navy as unprecedented and expressed appreciation for the administration’s commitment to security institutions.
He assured the Governor of his commitment, loyalty and readiness to work collaboratively with the state government, promising to build on the solid foundation established by Commodore Quadri and pursue even greater achievements.
The leadership transition further underscores the Abia State Government’s commitment to sustained security cooperation, institutional partnerships and the creation of an enabling environment for security agencies to d
eliver on their constitutional responsibilities.