Otti pledges support for incoming Navy commandant

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

Otti also commended the outgoing commandant of the college, Commodore B.U. Quadri, for his professionalism, dedication and contributions to security and institutional development in the state during his 19-month tour of duty.

The governor gave the assurance while receiving the outgoing commandant and welcoming his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South, on Thursday.

Welcoming Onu, Otti said, “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 Onu that he would enjoy the same level of support extended to his predecessor, stressing that the success of the Nigerian Navy in Abia State was also the success of the state and the country at large.

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,” Otti said.

The governor encouraged the new commandant to maintain open communication with the state government, particularly on areas where its intervention would be required, emphasising that security should be approached as a collective responsibility involving all security agencies.

Otti described Quadri as a professional whose contributions to the state’s security architecture and relationship with the state government were commendable. He also acknowledged the outgoing commandant’s valuable contributions to the state’s monthly Security Council meetings.

Earlier, while introducing the new commandant, Quadri thanked Otti for the tremendous support and cooperation extended to the Nigerian Navy during his 19-month tour of duty in Abia State.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commander MacDonald Uba, noted that Quadri had spent 19 months in Abia in line with the Nigerian Navy’s posting tradition, which generally allows senior officers to serve between 18 and 24 months in a particular assignment.

In his vote of thanks, the incoming commandant, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, appreciated Otti for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to sustaining the achievements of his predecessor.