… Speaks on insecurity
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Commissioner for Information, Abia State, Prince Okey Kanu, has given reason the State Government banned unauthorised free medical outreaches, citing safety concerns.
The Commissioner who gave the explanation during a press briefing in Umuahia after the State Executive Council meeting, said any free medical outreach in the state must be approved by the Commissioner for Health.
The measure, according to him, is to forestall untoward consequences of unregulated medical outreach or programmes “that may hurt rather than heal or help Abians.”
He said: “It is now an offence to render such philanthropic healthcare or free services without the express approval of the Commissioner for Health.”
This is as he assured that the State Government was making spirited efforts to improve security of lives and property across the state especially as Christmas and New Year festivities approach.
He warned that Abia State Government would not yield any part of the state to criminals and criminal elements.
“As a responsible government, the administration will continue to take the security of lives and property of Abians very seriously.
“As the yuletide approaches, the State Government wishes to reassure Abians that Government will stop at nothing to ensure that lives and property of Abians are protected. The State Government will not yield any part of the State to criminals.”
He disclosed that the Nigeria Army recently launched a special security operation known as ‘Udo Ka,” to further enhance security across the state.
According to him, the presence of security operatives will be felt across the state during the period of the operation.
He urged residents not to panic but cooperate with the military as their presence is in the interest of the people.
“What that means is that in the days and weeks ahead, security agencies will be very visible around the state.
“By this announcement we are assuring Abians that they (security men) are out there for their own good and all that the government requires from Abians is cooperation and their readiness to avail the security agencies with necessary information about security breaches around the state,” Kanu stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that Governor Alex Otti would flag off and also inaugurate a number of road projects in the state.
Prince Okey Kanu disclosed that starting from Tuesday, 26th, Government would begin a season of multiple road flag-offs and commissioning of roads till the end of the year.
Some of the roads for inauguration include: the reconstructed Dozie Way Umuahia, Obiorah road, Cemetery road phase two and Abak street in Aba.
According to him, the roads for flag-off include Onuimo bridge to Tower of Peace Umuahia, Umuopara Ring road Umuahia, the construction of Onuinyang Okporoenyi-Obuoro-Ikwuano road sections 1 and 2.
Meanwhile the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said the Governor would also reopen the renovated Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat which was renovated by direct labour.
According him, “it will be a continuous exercise until all the abandoned buildings are fixed.”
Responding to questions, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd.), said the Governor has told the men of the Nigeria Army in Abia State that they should not be subjecting Abians to raising of hands at military check points.
He said that a new regulation is on the way to increase understanding between road users and the military at various checkpoints across the state.
The SA said that the Nigeria Army had made available a 3-digit line, 193 to deepen the confidence of civilians in the military. He assured of the security of the people
He said: “Take it as given , we will be able to sleep with our two eyes closed. No inch of Abia will be left under whatever guise to criminals. Nobody will hold Abians to ransom.”
