Opinion
When a Brigadier General Commends a Governor for Peace in His State, It Sends a Signal
When a Brigadier General Commends a Governor for Peace in His State, It Sends a Signal
“Thank you for your administration’s efforts in ensuring peace and prosperity in Abia.”
Those were the words of the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Nafiu, to Governor Otti during his visit to Abia.
The DG was in Abia yesterday. He visited the Umunna Camp in Bende and later paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otti.
During the courtesy visit, he took the microphone and disclosed something interesting.
According to him, Out of the 8,890 corps members serving in Abia, 5,083 are females and 3,805 are males.
The DG expressed his appreciation and explained that parents are often reluctant to allow their daughters to serve in places they consider insecure.
But for that number of female corps members to be serving in Abia? It speaks volumes about the peace and serenity in the state.
He thanked Governor Otti for the efforts of his administration in maintaining peace and security in the state.
Listen carefully, there is a signal it sends when a Brigadier General appreciates a Governor for his efforts in sustaining peace.
The military understands the system. They know what it takes to maintain security. It is their job. However, they also understand the role the State Executive has to play.
And for these commendations on security to come from a top-ranking military officer, there is something Governor Otti is doing right in that regard.
It could be his passionate commitment to the welfare of security personnel, which he demonstrated fully in the early days of his administration by taking care of the families of slain soldiers and placing their children on scholarships.
It could also be his steadfast commitment to funding the security architecture of the state to ensure that daredevil areas are tackled, as was done in Umunneochi and environs.
Wait a minute. What about his unwavering commitment to the welfare of uniformed personnel, which led him to clear all outstanding security personnel allowances and has seen him maintain good relationships with security agencies in the state?
Also, his priority for the lives and property of Ndi Abia that led him to create a joint security outfit, codenamed “Operation Crush,” to combat crime in the state.
It could also be because he is getting governance right in all aspects, and the people are happy, voluntarily steering away from crime.
Well, whatever it may be, I don’t know. I’m not a military man or a security expert. Although the peace in Abia is enjoyed by all, credit must also go to the gallant security personnel who work tirelessly to maintain it.
But one thing I am very sure of is this, you’ll hardly get such a commendation from a top-ranking military officer if his fellow uniformed personnel are not treated well here in Abia. And that’s the signal.
Otti’s priority for the welfare of security personnel distinguishes him.
There is even a story of a time when he was returning from church and randomly walked into a military base along Ngwa Road just to ascertain how well the personnel were doing.
He asked them himself:
“Do you have any challenges?”
And guess what? He identified and solved those problems on the spot.
Governor Otti is indeed getting it right in the area of security in Abia.
Not for any reason other than his firm belief that a secure Abia is a prosperous Abia.
I am Comrade Miracle Chukwunenye
August 13, 2026.
