Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commended the outgoing Commandant of the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, Commodore B.U. Quadri, for his contributions to security and institutional development during his 19 month tour of duty in the state.
The governor gave the commendation on Thursday, November 5, while receiving Commodore Quadri and his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, during a courtesy visit at his office.
Otti praised the outgoing commandant for his professionalism, dedication and active participation in the state’s monthly Security Council meetings, noting that his contributions had strengthened cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Abia State Government.
He also acknowledged Quadri’s role in maintaining a cordial relationship with the state government, particularly during the commissioning of four projects at the Navy College, some of which were jointly executed with the state.
The governor assured Commodore Onu of his administration’s continued support and cooperation, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessor and further strengthen the relationship between the Navy and the state.
Otti stressed that security was a collective responsibility requiring effective collaboration among security agencies and the government. He also encouraged the new commandant to maintain open communication with the state authorities whenever support or intervention was needed.
In his remarks, the outgoing commandant expressed appreciation to the governor for the support extended to the Navy during his tenure. He described his time in Abia as challenging but rewarding and commended Otti for respecting the professional independence of security agencies.
Quadri also expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain the existing relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the state government. He appealed for additional support to improve accommodation facilities for officers and personnel of the institution.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commander MacDonald Uba, explained that the visit was an opportunity for the outgoing commandant to formally introduce his successor following the handover ceremony held the previous day.
The incoming commandant, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, who has served in the Nigerian Navy for over three decades, thanked the governor for the warm reception and pledged to sustain the achievements recorded by his predecessor.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
