….…Reaffirm Federal–State Synergy
FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complementing Federal Government efforts in the ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking, calling for a unified front and stronger legislative measures to combat the menace.
Governor Otti made the call while receiving in audience the Assistant Controller General of Narcotics (ACGN), Zone 12, Owerri, Imo State, covering Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, who came on a working visit at the Government House, Umuahia.
Reiterating his stance on the enactment of stringent laws to deter offenders, the Governor emphasized that drug abuse remains a major driver of violent crimes across the nation.
“A lot of young people go into crime and then use drugs to fuel it,” he lamented. “When you look closely, you’ll find that many criminal acts are drug-induced, and until we tackle drug abuse head-on, other social interventions will not yield full results.”
Dr. Otti explained the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to distinguish between voluntary and involuntary criminals, noting that while about 20% of offenders are habitual criminals unlikely to change, 80% commit crimes out of social frustration and lack of economic opportunities.
He stressed that his administration is working deliberately to economically empower the majority who fall within the 80%, through job creation, skill acquisition, and targeted youth development programmes.
“Our focus is to create opportunities and take our people out of poverty,” the Governor said. “If young people are engaged meaningfully, they’ll have no reason to turn to crime or drugs. That is why we are creating an environment where criminals will find it difficult to thrive.”
While supporting rehabilitation efforts, Governor Otti maintained that punitive measures such as imprisonment should also be enforced for deterrence. He disclosed ongoing discussions with the National Assembly to strengthen national drug laws and ensure stricter enforcement across states.
Responding to the NDLEA’s request for relocation of its State Command from Aba to Umuahia, the Governor assured that the matter would be given due consideration, emphasizing that efficiency, accessibility, and operational impact would guide the final decision.
He congratulated Mrs. Ezeonye on her career achievements, describing her as “an asset to the NDLEA and a proud representative of excellence in national service.”
In her remarks, the Assistant Controller General of Narcotics, Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, commended Governor Otti for his pragmatic and visionary leadership, describing his administration as a model of partnership and accountability that aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda on public security and anti-drug initiatives.
“I was here as Commander between 2011 and 2015, and returning now as a Zonal Commander, I could hardly recognize Aba,” she said. “The massive infrastructural transformation under your administration has redefined Abia State. I missed my way in Aba because everywhere has changed for the better.”
Mrs. Ezeonye, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.) CON, extended the Agency’s profound appreciation to the Governor for his exceptional support to the State Command.
She noted that under Dr. Otti’s administration, the NDLEA in Abia State has received unprecedented assistance, including:
• Inclusion in the State Security Council,
• Provision of residential accommodation in Umuahia,
• Establishment of a befitting rehabilitation centre,
• Supply of operational vehicles, and
Inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee, one of the Agency’s key frameworks for grassroots anti-drug education and enforcement.
“You have done what others did not do,” Mrs. Ezeonye remarked. “The current State Commander is very fortunate to serve under a Governor who understands the dangers of drug abuse and is ready to act. The NDLEA leadership, through Brig. Gen. Marwa, deeply appreciates your collaboration and visible results in Abia.”
She reiterated NDLEA’s readiness to continue working closely with the Abia State Government in driving Federal anti-drug policies, improving rehabilitation efforts, and curbing youth involvement in drug-related crimes.
The ACGN was accompanied by some Zonal Officers and the Abia State Commander of NDLEA, who jointly requested the relocation of the State Command headquarters to the capital city for improved coordination and proximity to decision-making channels.
Also present at the meeting were top state officials and security advisers.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 19, 2025.
