Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia State have met to draw a template on security collaboration even as they made case for the creation of additional State in the South East geopolitical zone.
Speaking to journalists after the closed- door meeting in his office, Governor Alex Otti said his administration would continue to collaborate with the government of Enugu and other South East States to enhance security in the region.
He thanked Governor Mba for the cordial relationship existing between Enugu and Abia States and for the visit, the first of its kind, to Abia.
“You know, we share boundaries. So, some of the things we discussed are also, how to ensure that there is security and that our people are secured in those places.
“So, we talked about the Enugu State government and Abia State government partnering, because, if he successfully drives away criminals from there, they will probably end up here.
“If we don’t do anything, then, one part of the South East will be secured and the other part will not be. So, this kind of cooperation is very important,” Gov. Otti stated.
Otti also said that he and many other governors are in support of the creation of State police and expressed the hope that the Federal government would consider their position in no distant time.
Governor Otti equally affirmed his support for the call for the creation of an additional State in the South East region, noting that South East is the only region across the six geo-political zones that has less than six States.
“The South East has five States. So, I’m also in alignment with the creation of one additional State in the South East,” Gov. Otti stated.
Also speaking, Governor Peter Mba said he came to rub minds with Governor Otti on issues of common interest for the two States which is centered on providing a better life for the people as governors with private sector background.
He noted that coming from the same geo-political zone and sharing common boundaries, their programmes and policies must have far reaching impacts on the people of the two States, and commended the giant strides of Governor Alex Otti.
“So, I essentially came to talk about how we would continue to serve our people better. And so, that’s largely why I’m here for us to compare notes.
“Our focus is largely on governance. We believe that the people are the epicentre of governance. So, what we do, the projects and programmes we execute are all about the people.
“I also came to commend him for the great work he is doing for the people of Abia State across several sectors. And I’m sure, you know that’s something we have in common between Abia and Enugu.
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