Security in Abia’ll be beefed up, Otti assures
… Raises hope that abducted university don would soon regain freedom
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Following the kidnapping of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC Academics) of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Prof Godwin Emezue, in Umuahia about a week ago, security is to be beefed up across Abia State.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, made these known on Thursday, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, during his first Media Chat with newsmen this year, also indicated that the abducted university don may soon regain his freedom.
Governor Otti who was responding to a question on plans by the state government to beef up security in the state following the DVC’s abduction, described the incident as an usual occurrence perpetrated by hoodlums from outside the state, adding that plans were being put in place to ensure that such never happens again.
“It is unfortunate that the DVC was kidnapped in the centre of town. It is not a usual occurrence but it happened.
“What the security agents have learnt is that they cannot let their guards down. We are discussing and we are putting plans together to ensure that such would not happen again. Contacts have been made and very soon, he (DVC) will rejoin his family,” the Governor said.
It was learnt that the abductors of Prof. Emezue have demanded N35 million ransom. The demand was made after four days of holding their victim incommunicado, raising apprehension over his safety.
The abduction of the ABSU DVC is the first reported kidnapping in Umuahia since the Otti administration launched Operation Crush. The multi-security agencies anti-crime outfit has recorded successes in their battle against crimes and criminality and has drastically reduced kidnappings and general insecurity across the state since it was created in the early days of the present administration.
Otti hinted of plans to expand Umuahia Capital Territory to accommodate building of new markets, promising to attend to the problems besetting Ubani market, the biggest market serving residents of the state capital.
“We have plans to expand Umuahia Capital Territory. We are working with a consultant to build modern markets. We have a grand plan and we will roll it out very soon. You will see very rapid changes in Umuahia as our administration gets older,” the Governor assured.
He also said government was working to restore public water supply in the years ahead, set up a proper scholarship board and boost electricity supply in the state; and reiterated his resolve to clear the arrears of pension and gratuities owed retired workers.
He, however, said that government would, first of all, pay the pension arrears before tackling the issue of gratuities, adding that government was engaging with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to ensure effective resolution of the pension arrears.
To end touting in the state, Otti said that government was rehabilitating touts by providing them access to education and capital. “You will see more serious approach to educating the touts,” he promised.
