Abia State hosted the inaugural Southeast Regional Security Summit as key stakeholders and national security figures converged to discuss ways to improve regional security in the Southeast.
The summit was held yesterday at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Umuahia. It featured key dignitaries like the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.). Representatives of the Governors of Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi States were present.
Also present was the representative of the Senate President, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; the Chairman of the Abia State Security Advisory Council, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.); Maj. General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.); Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.); members of the Armed Forces and security community.
The chief host of the event, Abia State Governor, reiterated his administration’s commitment to security in the southeast region.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity, and the summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” could not have come at a better time,” Otti said.
” We were honoured to welcome the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.). I thank His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his goodwill messages and his remarkable contributions to the South East regional security,” He added.
Otti added that the end goal of the summit is lasting peace and security in the Southeast. He said this requires effective collaboration, intelligence gathering, and sharing, and a common resolve by all participating states.
“Together, we will continue to make crime unprofitable, strengthen our institutions, and build a safer, more prosperous region for all.” Otti added.
The security situation in the southeast has vastly improved. States like Anambra and Imo State are recording the most significant improvement.
In Anambra State, the rate of kidnapping has drastically reduced. This is courtesy of a strategic combination of state-backed vigilante groups and Nigerian security outfits. In Imo State, the activities of Unknown Gunmen have also reduced. Areas like Orsu, which used to be a hotbed of violent activities, are slowly returning to normal.
