Written by Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji.

National Security refers to the security of a nation state, including its citizens, economy and institutions. The constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. This means that every responsible government owes the people the duty to provide security and guarantee the safety and well being of its citizens.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government has the exclusive responsibility to establish and maintain security institutions, whose mission shall be to defend the Nation against external aggression and domestic threats, and to uphold and enforce the criminal justice services to both the Federal and state law enforcement organs.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria and Paramilitary agencies as very critical security institutions that have their establishments in all the states of the Federation. In Ebonyi state, the administration of our dear Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi understands the imperative of building synergy with the Federal Security Agencies in securing a crime-free state. This underscores his unprecedented landmark achievements in the area of infrastructure and human development as well as his support to the welfare and dignity of the security establishments in the state.

The Governor believes that community security is a sinquanon for National Security. He believes that communities are not secured unless the inhabitants feel safe whether at home, in the street or at work; unless they have the freedom to pursue and obtain the fullest benefit from their domestic, social and economic lives, without fear or hindrance from crime and disorder. He believes that the best way to provide security is to engage the people in legitimate means of livelihood. It is for this reason that the Umahi administration rolled out many youths and women empowerment programmes, which are free of charge and also made funds available as soft loans to entrepreneurs, farmers and Civil servants. The Governor turned Ebonyi state into a construction site and made skilled and unskilled labour available for our youths and women. With the construction of smooth network of roads and availability of street lights across the nooks and crannies of the state, our communities are now, economically more viable.

Beyond economic security, environmental security, food security and energy security which the Umahi administration has guaranteed, Engr. Umahi has given modest commitment to the welfare and dignity of the security institutions and its personnel to enhance their morale in combating crimes in the state. Before the Umahi administration, the state commands of the various security agencies were without internal road network, completely without street light and in some cases dilapidated or wear structures that are not befitting of the status of any security institution. But today, the Nigeria Police Command, Abakaliki has the most beautiful premises when compared with any Police Command in Nigeria with asphalted internal roads, comprehensive street light and water provision. Some Police divisions and Area Commands now wear a new look. The Police Divisions at Kpirikpiri and Ekeaba will soon be relocated to the Permanent site as brand new buildings have been constructed by the state government. The road leading to State Security Service office has been constructed with concrete pavement. The Nkwegu Military Cantonment is not left out. All the internal roads are being reconstructed with drainage, in addition to solar light that has been provided. The Nigeria Prison Services Abakaliki also has solar light and modern prison complex under construction. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ebonyi Command has been relocated to the permanent site with premises adorned with concrete flooring. The internal road of the Federal Road Safety Corps has been asphalted. All the agencies now enjoy solar power and many operational assistance given to motivate them to perform their professional duties with passion. Infact, Ebonyi state ranks 1st among other states in the provision of social amenities to the security institutions in Nigeria.

The Umahi administration treats the security personnel posted to Ebonyi State as indigenes despite their states of origin or religion they profess. This rare sense of responsibility of the Umahi leadership has attracted public encomiums and commendations from the authorities of the agencies. The spouses of the various security personnel in Ebonyi State cannot stop thanking Engr. Umahi for extending the empowerment programme to them without minding their states of origin. About 403 of them received the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) grant each in addition to the training which they received to enable them go into agro-related businesses of their choice. This gesture of Engr. Umahi has improved their livelihood and they have made happy families and increased the zeal of their husbands to work for a peaceful, united and secured Nigeria. This is why the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Kpotun Idris who flagged off the empowerment programme was full of joy to hear of the various life changing empowerment programmes rolled out for the women in the state by the Governor of Ebonyi State.

Today, the synergy built by the Governor has paid off. Ebonyi state ranks lowest in crime rate. Residents can sleep with their two eyes closed. Investors are now trooping in. The CCTV Camera, operational vehicles provided by government and the operations of the Neighbourhood Watch have made community policing easy.

This is why the two cultural blocks of Ebonyi State, the Umuekumenyi Welfare Association and the Old Afikpo Union, as well as the Association of Ebonyi State Town Unions, home and abroad, the National Council for Women Society, Non- Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Organizations, the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), different youth and women organizations and indeed all well meaning Ebonyians, indigenes and non-indigenes alike have decided that the only way to say “THANK YOU” to this great, detribalized and patriotic leader is to come out and vote massively for Engr. David Nweze Umahi to enable him perfect God’s plan to make Ebonyi truly the Salt of the Nation.

Whom the cap fits, let him wear.