05/14/2026
When a good leader is on the throne, the people rejoice. :
“Do You Have Any Challenges?” — Otti’s Priority to Security Explained in One Action
“Do you have any challenges?”
Those were the direct words of Governor Alex Otti to a military officer at the Ndoki Road Primary School military base during his routine road inspection tour last Sunday.
Governor Otti had moved from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he worshipped earlier that morning, down to Afule Road on his routine inspection visits. From there, he proceeded to Umuchichi Road and Etche Road.
On his way to Obohia Road, he transversed the Etche Road section of Ngwa Road heading towards Ahia Ohuru.
Immediately after the junction leading to Ohanku Road, where the military base along Ngwa Road is situated within part of the Ndoki Road School premises, Governor Otti suddenly signalled his convoy to stop.
It wasn’t planned.
He stepped down from his vehicle and walked straight to the soldier on duty at the checkpoint.
“How are you? How is work going? Is the Commander in?” the Governor asked.
“Yes sir,” the officer replied, immediately moving to usher His Excellency to meet the officer in charge.
It was clearly an unprepared moment for the officer, who was still fastening his wristwatch and adjusting his shoes when he came out to receive the Governor.
Governor Otti immediately began:
“Sorry we took you unawares, I was just passing and decided to check on you people to see how things are going. Are there any challenges we should know about?”
At that point, the Officer, who identified himself as Captain T. Yabiteigha, was almost short of words.
Sensing the hesitation, Governor Otti cut in again:
“Because I can already see this place needs renovation.”
That statement immediately opened the conversation.
The officer then led the Governor to the area where their patrol vans were parked, showing him that most of the operational vehicles were faulty and in poor condition.
Without hesitation, Governor Otti immediately called on his Chief Security Officer, Ken Nwosu, directing him to ensure that the vehicles are either repaired or new ones provided and handed over to the military personnel with immediate effect.
The Director General of the Greater Aba Development Authority, Mr. Uche Ukeje, who was coincidentally part of the inspection team, was also instructed on the spot to ensure the facility is renovated and fitted with solar-powered lights across the compound.
Then came the emotional moment.
As the Governor was about to leave, Captain Yabiteigha suddenly reminded him:
“Sir, I know you may not remember, but last year you paid my hospital bills and those of my colleagues after that operation where we were attacked. One of our colleagues died and you supported his family and also placed his children on scholarship. I have been looking for a way to see you and thank you for saving my life. I was shut at my hip …….”
Those words struck a deep emotional chord.
Governor Otti’s commitment to security is second to none. His concern for the welfare of security personnel, the men who put their lives on the line daily, is one of the reasons Abia enjoys relative peace and security today.
Why wouldn’t officers give their all when they can see that families of fallen heroes are not abandoned, and injured personnel are properly cared for?
Since assuming office, Governor Otti has shown sincere commitment across every sector, particularly security, but that impromptu stop at the Ndoki military base on Sunday explained how much of a priority security is to Governor Otti.
There are challenges you can never discover unless you go there yourself.
Who would have imagined that on an ordinary Sunday, a Governor would stop his convoy and walk straight into a military base just to ask officers how they were faring?
That is intentional leadership.
That single visit solved problems that may have lingered unattended for months
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