Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, reaffirmed his administration’s unflinching commitment to achieving adequate security in the Southeast region.
Governor Otti stated this at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, while hosting the South East Regional Security Summit 2026 organized by the Federal Ministry of Defense in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southeast)
The Governor noted that security is the foundation of prosperity and the pillar upon which all progress rests. He described the summit as timely and its theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” as very apt.
The State Chief Executive said the summit was coming at the right time, considering the electioneering season, and advised that efforts should be directed towards curtailing political violence and creating the right atmosphere for the exchange of democratic ideas. He stressed that no one should be harmed for their political choices.
Governor Alex Otti thanked the organisers for hosting the programme in Abia.
“The message of this summit is that we are entirely committed to the peace and security of the region.
“The theme of this summit is brilliant for the reason that it speaks to the next frontier of efforts at consolidating the gains made recently with respect to intelligence sharing, resource mobilisation, and a common commitment to the prosperity of the region.
“We have established that more often than not, crime is driven by economic considerations. So, what we have simply done is to make it too costly for any intelligent mind to consider.
“By incentivising security agents, investing in surveillance technology, and public enlightenment, we have simply made crime and criminality unprofitable in most parts of this region.
“The essence of this summit is, however, not to praise ourselves for past gains, but to map the future and stay ahead of the criminals,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Special Guest of Honour, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was represented by the Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua.
He said the Senate remains committed to providing the legislative support needed to modernise security institutions, adding that the theme of the summit reminds everyone of an enduring truth: that no nation has ever secured itself through isolated efforts.
According to him, “what is at stake today is not merely the security of the Southeast, but the confidence of our people, the unity of our Republic, and the promise of a safer Nigeria for every citizen.
“Security succeeds where partnership flourishes. This gathering is not only about protecting a region, it is about strengthening the very fabric of our union.
“The Southeast has always occupied a central place in our national story, and some of its greatest sons have been among the strongest advocates of national unity,” Senator Akpabio stated.
In their goodwill messages, the Governors of Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the remarkable progress recorded in strengthening security across the country and for his unwavering commitment to sustaining the gains achieved.
They were represented by:
1. Imo State: Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru
2. Anambra State: Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim
3. Enugu State: Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai
4. Ebonyi State: Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa
The Governors also expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for hosting the South East Regional Security Summit.
They acknowledged the efforts of the service chiefs, the Federal Ministry of Defence, and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southeast), for making the summit a reality, and assured of their commitment to security in the Southeast.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional collaboration, intelligence sharing, and constitutional reforms to tackle the security challenges confronting the Southeast.
He insisted that lasting peace requires both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
Hon. Kalu extolled Governor Alex Otti for his efforts in achieving security in Abia State, saying that under Governor Otti’s leadership, Abia is safe, secure and peaceful.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the Southeast through a comprehensive strategy that combines military operations, economic development, infrastructure expansion, media literacy, and community engagement.
He also appreciated the focused leadership of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, Rtd., described the summit as the beginning of a new chapter in promoting peace, security and sustainable development in the region.
He stressed that its theme underscores the need for collective action.
He noted that while the Southeast remains a hub of enterprise, innovation and commerce, persistent challenges such as kidnapping and violent criminality should not be allowed to take over the region.
The Minister commended Governor Alex Otti and the people of Abia State for hosting the security summit, and appreciated the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), for its partnership in making the event a reality.
In his keynote address, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, Rtd., stressed the need for adequate security in the Southeast.
He noted that for collaboration to work and produce meaningful results, care must be taken to ensure culprits of criminal activities are not spared, while an entire community where crime is committed should not be treated as culprits.
He said doing that would make communities unable to share intelligence with security agencies.
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Also present at the event were the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, other security experts, dignitaries, stakeholders, traditional rulers, and members of the clergy.
