The Storm is Over. 'Our Armed Forces are Our Pride, Never Our Target' - Abia People.

ONN Aba 06/06/2024

Repetition of Okuama, Zaki Biam and Odi Averted in Aba Through Governor Otti's Intervention and Diplomatic Engagement:

Abians are united against any form of attack on men and women on uniform who has offered to pay the ultimate price in our defence and protection of our dear country and States. The tragic and senseless shooting and killing of 5 gallant soldiers in Aba is 'UNABIA'. It is not in the character of the resilient and hardworking Aba people to target or attack officers posted to maintain law and order including protecting their lives, properties and businesses. The targeted attack and killing of soldiers in Aba, the famous Enyimba City is a direct attack on the people of Aba, Enyimba city and the entire Abia State.

The attack on the Military was an attack on Abia people.

'Abians are in solidarity with the Military'

The timing of the attack was suspicious. It was timed and clinical executed to coincide with the celebratory mode in the State. The attack happened few hours after the eventful commemoration of the one year anniversary of the inauguration of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti as the Executive Governor of Abia State with the review of the Governor's quarter-tenure scorecard, commissioning of projects and flag-off of New projects in the State Capital, Umuahia. Abians were in high spirit and thanking the almighty God for the New Abia and New Order.

'Abians are in solidarity with the Military'

In the last 365 days plus, Abia State has been on the National and Global Map and News for the right reasons; Security has improved and is topnotch, there is visible caterpillar revolution on ground, Infrastructural renewal adorn around the State (Those in diaspora can watch live on kepukepu TV),

Prompt payment of salaries and pensions of workers and Retirees has been restored to statutory, Holistic reform of the governance structure and improved ease of doing Business has transformed the State into a choice destination for private sector driven investment, Improved power & electricity supply has positioned the State for influx the of industries and production hubs, Harmonised and digitalised tax system has eliminatd double taxation and bottlenecks to the seamless operation of the private sector, and the State has been opened for Symbiotic Partnership with the federal government & developmental agencies.

Immediately after the attack and killing, the Military authorities did not waste time to deploy soldiers to Aba with an order to respond fiercely in retaliation to the unprovoked senseless attack and killing of their colleagues by yet to be identified gunmen. His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti understood the consequences of a Military showdown in Aba.

The Executive Governor quickly intervened and activated all diplomatic instruments available to his office to engage the Military authorities and douse the tension. He condemned the attack and killing in the strongest terms and placed a N25 Million bounty on the heads of the fleeing assailants. The Executive Governor with highly placed Abia State Government officials visited the Military High Command and Widows of the fallen soldiers and offered to commit all available State resources to ensure that those behind the gruesome shooting are captured and brought to book and communicated the State Government decision to adopt the widows as Abia daughters with scholarship granted to all the Children of the fallen heroes to University level (The Executive Governor symbolically relocated the Abia Government House to the 144 Battalion Barrack of the Nigerian Army, Ukwa).

The intervention and engagement of the Executive Governor with the Military and Families of the fallen soldiers pacified the Military authorities and caused them to jettison the Okuama, Zaki Biam and Odi treatment.

'Abians are in solidarity with the Military'

Abia State Government, the Military Authorities, the Police and other Security Agencies are working together with Abia people to go after a common enemy whose targets are the gains so far recorded in the New Abia, Abia People and the Security Agencies who have worked tirelessly to restore and maintain calm, peace and order in Abia State. The Military Authorities, The Police and Abia State Government in unison have directed ALL Law Abiding Citizens of Abia State to go about their legitimate business without fear of intimidation and harassment. Together, the common enemy will be defeated.

'Abians are in solidarity with the Military'

His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Jide Nke Iji Maka Nke Iji Ka Nma. Abia State is on the march and NO saboteur can derail it.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha

Omeifuku writes from Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Umuahia.