Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has assured residents that the State Security Trust Fund under his watch will be transparently managed and fully accounted for.
He gave the assurance on Thursday during the Aba Stakeholders Security Trust Fund Luncheon held at the Aba Sports Club.
The governor stressed that money does not disappear under his leadership because he had been taught how to make money, not to steal it.
He highlighted the importance of security to every aspect of life, adding that he sometimes stays awake so that Abia residents can sleep in peace.
Mr Otti vowed that no criminal troubling Abia under his administration will escape justice, warning that offenders are paying and will continue to pay dearly.
He thanked and prayed for contributors to the fund, noting their support would help his administration keep Abia on the path of stability and growth.
The director-general of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Uche Ukeje, said the luncheon reflected residents’ collective resolve to secure Aba and unlock its full potential.
He explained that GADA has driven urban renewal, sanitation, and SME growth in Aba, while creating a business-friendly environment that inspired the luncheon initiative.
Chairman of the occasion, Leonard Okoye, recalled how insecurity once forced him to hide outside Aba, but noted the city is now regaining peace.
He commended Mr Otti’s efforts to make Aba habitable and enjoyable, pledging N50 million to the fund, while urging other residents to support the governor’s work.
Jude Nwosu, owner of Crunchies Fast-Foods Ltd, said security is a fundamental right and critical to Aba’s development.
He praised Mr Otti’s road and infrastructure projects which, he said, have curtailed criminal gangs operating from hard-to-reach areas.
Mr Nwosu, who donated N5 million, urged business owners and residents to contribute, stressing that security is everyone’s shared responsibility.
(NAN)