By 
UMUAHIA — 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 professionalism, dedication and outstanding contributions to security and institutional development in the State during his 19 months tour of duty.
Governor Otti gave the commendation while receiving the outgoing Commandant and his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The Governor described Commodore Quadri as a professional whose contributions to the State’s security architecture and relationship with the State Government were highly commendable, noting that his departure would be felt.
“Let me start by thanking you, Commodore Quadri, for the fantastic job you did in this State in the last 19 months. We cannot take it for granted,” Gov. Otti said.
The Governor acknowledged the outgoing Commandant’s valuable contributions during the State’s monthly Security Council meetings, describing his interventions as insightful and beneficial beyond the immediate responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy.
He also appreciated Commodore Quadri for the cordial relationship he maintained with the State Government and his cooperation during the commissioning of four projects at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, some of which were jointly executed with the State Government.
Commending the cleanliness and general outlook of the College, Governor Otti said the institution’s environment reflected the renewed commitment of his administration to cleanliness and environmental sanitation across Abia State.
Gov. Otti assured the incoming Commandant 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.
“All we expect is that you will even do better, like he has prayed. 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,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti assured Commodore 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 is 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,” Governor Otti assured.
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.
Earlier, the outgoing Commandant, Commodore Quadri, thanked Governor Otti for the tremendous support and cooperation extended to the Nigerian Navy during his 19-month tour of duty in Abia State.
He described his time in the State as challenging but rewarding, recalling that his first posting to Abia was in 2004 as a young officer and that returning to the State had been a memorable experience.
Commodore Quadri particularly commended Governor Otti’s leadership style, strategic foresight and respect for the professional independence of security agencies, noting that the Governor provided an enabling environment for them to discharge their duties without unnecessary interference.
He said the Governor’s approach had made Abia State attractive to security personnel, adding that many of his colleagues looked forward to serving in the State because of the administration’s cooperation and support for security institutions.
The outgoing Commandant formally introduced his successor, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, a member of Direct Regular Course 12, who has served the Nigerian Navy for over three decades and brings extensive professional experience to his new assignment.
He expressed confidence that his successor would build on the achievements recorded during his tenure and further strengthen the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Abia State Government.
Commodore Quadri also appreciated the Governor for attending the commissioning of projects at the College and for the resources provided towards their successful execution. He appealed for further support towards improving accommodation facilities for officers and men of the institution.
He described Abia as a home away from home, saying that although he was leaving the State, his affection for its people and culture would remain, adding that he had become fond of the Abia State anthem.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Rtd. Commander MacDonald Uba, welcomed the outgoing and incoming Commandants, noting that Commodore 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.
He explained that the visit provided an opportunity for the outgoing Commandant to formally present his successor to the Governor following the handover ceremony held the previous day, expressing confidence in the continuity of the cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Abia State Government.
In a vote of thanks, the incoming Commandant, Commodore Emmanuel Onu, appreciated the Governor for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to sustaining the achievements of his predecessor.
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