Otti praises IGP for posting police officers to home states

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has openly commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for implementing a policy that allows police officers to serve in their respective states of origin, describing the initiative as both thoughtful and highly beneficial.

Governor Otti made this known on Thursday during a reception held in honour of 31 newly commissioned police officers of Abia State origin, who recently completed the 7th Regular Course at the Nigerian Police Academy and were officially deployed back to Abia State for service.

According to the Governor, the decision to post officers to their home states is a practical and intelligent approach to policing, as it enhances efficiency, intelligence gathering, and community cooperation. He explained that officers who are indigenous to a state already possess in-depth knowledge of the environment, including its terrain, local customs, and social dynamics.

Governor Otti further illustrated that officers posted to unfamiliar regions often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and prolonged adjustment periods, which may affect their performance in the early stages of deployment. In contrast, serving within one’s home state eliminates these obstacles and allows officers to function effectively from the outset.

He noted that indigenous officers can easily understand conversations in local dialects and identify unusual movements within communities, thereby strengthening crime prevention and rapid response efforts. This, he said, gives the policy a strong advantage in addressing security concerns at the grassroots level.

While expressing appreciation, Governor Otti formally acknowledged the IGP and his leadership team for introducing and sustaining the policy, describing it as a welcome development that aligns with modern policing standards. He reaffirmed Abia State’s support for the initiative and emphasized that the state is ready to cooperate fully with security agencies to maintain law and order.

The Governor also reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to security, stressing that his government places high priority on safeguarding lives and property across the state. He assured the officers that the government remains attentive to all security-related developments within Abia.

In his address to the newly deployed officers, Governor Otti urged them to remain disciplined, professional, and dedicated to their duties. He cautioned against any form of misconduct or unethical behaviour and encouraged them to uphold integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights while discharging their responsibilities.

He further assured the officers that the state government would continue to engage relevant authorities to address welfare concerns affecting security personnel, recognizing that improved welfare contributes significantly to effective service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Irozuru Somtochukwu Justice explained that the visit was a courtesy call to formally present themselves to the Governor following their commissioning and posting to Abia State. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged their commitment to serving the state diligently.