Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained why his administration does not interfere in the operations of military and other security agencies operating in the state.

Otti said it was inappropriate for a governor to instruct a Commissioner of Police or other security chiefs to release a suspect without allowing the relevant authorities to conduct a proper investigation.

The governor spoke on Wednesday in Umuahia during a send-off ceremony organised by the state government for outgoing military and paramilitary commanders who served in Abia.

According to him, executive interference in the operations of security agencies could undermine their professionalism and weaken efforts to tackle insecurity.

“The reason we don’t interfere is that we have nothing to hide. And for us, what is right is right. If it is not right, it’s not right.

“Because I won’t pick up my phone and call the Commissioner of Police or anybody to say, ‘Release somebody.’ Once you start doing that, then you’ve started losing it,” Otti said.

The governor thanked the outgoing commanders for their service, dedication and sacrifices, noting that their commitment contributed significantly to the relative peace being experienced across the state.

He also assured the commanders that the cordial relationship they established with the state government would continue despite their transfer from Abia.

Outgoing commanders honoured

The state government honoured five outgoing security commanders during the ceremony.

They included Brigadier General Hassan Muhammed Bello, immediate past Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia; and AIG Danladi Isah, immediate past Commissioner of Police, Abia State.

Others were Ibrahim Sariki, immediate past State Director of the Department of State Services; Aderemi Akinsola of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; and Commandant Chigbu Odoemelam Chile of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abia State Command.

Otti commended the officers for their contributions to the security architecture of Abia and expressed confidence that they would continue to serve the country effectively in their new assignments.