Summary
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing security across the state during the Yuletide season while advancing efforts to identify minor offenders in correctional centres for possible pardon.
During the November edition of his monthly media interaction in Umuahia, the governor urged residents to stay alert and prioritise personal safety throughout the festive period.
He explained that the government maintains consistent engagement with security agencies—the police, army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—to bolster intelligence-sharing mechanisms and respond quickly to any emerging risks.
According to him, “As a government, we are doing all necessary to ensure a secure environment. We consult regularly with service commanders—police, army, NSCDC, and others. Intelligence is key. Give information, take charge of your own security, and don’t fear.”
Governor Otti also stated that his administration is collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service to assess the status of inmates in facilities across the state. He revealed that he recently met with the Zonal Commandant and inspected ongoing support initiatives, including the construction of perimeter fencing and a one-storey holding centre aimed at reducing overcrowding.
Although the Correctional Service is under federal jurisdiction, Otti highlighted that the welfare of inmates—many of whom are Abia citizens—remains important to his administration. He noted that previous efforts to grant pardons under the prerogative of mercy were unsuccessful because no minor offenders were identified.
He further explained that he has directed the Service to conduct a fresh assessment to determine if any inmates qualify for consideration as part of end-of-year relief measures.
According to him, “In the last two years, I made attempts to grant pardon to minor offenders using the prerogative of mercy, but we couldn’t find any. All the 1,900-plus inmates had serious offences. I have asked the Zonal Commandant to look into it again to see if there are people who can be considered as we mark the end of the year.”
What You Should Know
Governor Alex Otti is tightening security across Abia ahead of the festive season while beginning a fresh review of inmates in the state’s correctional centres to identify any minor offenders eligible for pardon.
Although earlier attempts failed due to the absence of minor cases, the governor is renewing the process as part of his year-end interventions.
His administration continues to work closely with security agencies to ensure safer communities during the holidays.
