Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the South East, declaring that peace and stability remain the bedrock of economic growth, investment and sustainable development.

Governor Otti made the declaration on Thursday, July 30, 2026, while hosting the South East Regional Security Summit 2026 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East).

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” the Governor described the gathering as both timely and strategic, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.

He stressed that every effort must be made to prevent political violence and safeguard democratic participation, insisting that no Nigerian should be attacked or intimidated because of political affiliation or electoral choice.

According to Governor Otti, the summit represents a renewed commitment by leaders and stakeholders to consolidate recent gains made in intelligence sharing, resource mobilisation and coordinated security operations across the region.

He explained that his administration has deliberately adopted policies that make crime unattractive through strategic investments in surveillance technology, improved welfare for security personnel and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

“We have established that crime is often driven by economic considerations. By incentivising security agencies, deploying technology and strengthening public awareness, we have made criminality increasingly unprofitable in many parts of our region.”

Governor Otti added that the objective of the summit was not merely to celebrate previous successes but to develop proactive strategies capable of staying ahead of emerging security threats.

The Governor also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Defence and all partnering agencies for choosing Abia State as host of the landmark regional security gathering.

Representing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, assured participants of the National Assembly’s continued legislative support towards modernising Nigeria’s security architecture.

He noted that no nation succeeds in addressing security challenges through isolated efforts, stressing that collaboration remains the most effective pathway to achieving lasting peace.

According to him, the security of the South East is directly connected to national unity, public confidence and the future stability of Nigeria.

Governors of Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, represented by their respective deputies and the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for ongoing efforts to strengthen security nationwide.

They also applauded Governor Alex Otti for hosting the summit and reaffirmed their collective commitment to improved regional security through greater cooperation among the South East states.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, advocated stronger regional collaboration, improved intelligence sharing and constitutional reforms to effectively tackle insecurity.

He commended Governor Otti’s security initiatives, describing Abia State as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the South East under the present administration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to restore lasting peace across the region through a combination of military operations, economic development, infrastructure expansion, media literacy and active community engagement.

He equally praised Governor Otti’s focused leadership and commitment to sustaining peace 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 regional collaboration against insecurity.

He acknowledged the South East as a major hub of commerce, innovation and enterprise, while warning that kidnapping and violent criminality must never be allowed to define the region’s identity.

General Musa commended Governor Otti, the people of Abia State and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East) for successfully hosting the summit.

Delivering the keynote address, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven security operations and community participation.

He cautioned against criminalising entire communities because of the actions of a few individuals, noting that such an approach discourages citizens from volunteering credible intelligence capable of exposing criminal elements.

The summit attracted top government officials, military chiefs, security experts, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders committed to advancing peace and security across the South East.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the summit ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and communities to sustain peace, regional stability and economic prosperity across the South East.

— OHAFIATV News