By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured the incoming Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, of the state government’s continued support and cooperation, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessor.

Otti gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the outgoing commandant, Commodore B.U. Quadri, and his successor during a courtesy visit to his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state.The governor commended Quadri for his professionalism, dedication and contributions to security and institutional development in Abia during his 19 month tour of duty.

Welcoming Onu, Otti encouraged him to surpass the accomplishments of his predecessor, describing the willingness to support a successor’s success as a mark of leadership and maturity. According to the governor, “All we expect is that you will even do better, like he (outgoing commandant) has played.

As a great man, he wants you to surpass him. Small minds want their successors to do worse, but bright minds want their successors to do better. ”Otti assured the incoming commandant that the state government would extend to him the same level of cooperation and assistance enjoyed by Quadri, stressing that the success of the Nigerian Navy in Abia would also benefit the state and the country.“You can count on the same support we gave him. You can take it for granted that we will also give you so much support so that you can do well,” he said.

The governor urged Onu to maintain effective communication with the state government and promptly identify areas where its intervention would be necessary.He emphasised that security remained a collective responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among the Nigerian Navy, other security agencies and the state government.Otti also praised Quadri for his contributions to the state’s security architecture and his cordial relationship with the government, particularly his participation in the monthly Security Council meetings.Earlier, Quadri expressed appreciation to the governor for the support and cooperation extended to the Nigerian Navy throughout his 19 months in Abia.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commander MacDonald Uba, explained that Quadri’s departure was consistent with the Nigerian Navy’s posting tradition, under which senior officers generally serve between 18 and 24 months in an assignment.In his remarks, the incoming commandant, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, thanked the governor for the warm reception and pledged to sustain the achievements of his predecessor while strengthening the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Abia State Government.