ABIA APC CONDEMNS PAYMENT OF ₦40K SALARY TO VIGILANTE OPERATIVES BY ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, strongly condemns the gross mistreatment, neglect, and scandalously low remuneration of members of the Abia State Vigilante Services under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
Recent media reports concerning Ms. Tochi Oluebube, a commander in the Abia Vigilante Services who was arrested over allegations of misconduct, have once again exposed the extremely alarming welfare conditions of security operatives and civil servants in Abia State under the Alex Otti administration, conditions that naturally carry dangerous consequences.
A system that underpays, undervalues, and demoralizes those entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding our lives, property, and communities is only inviting the inevitable consequence: “Insecurity”
While the APC unequivocally condemns any form of criminality, vandalism, or abuse of office, we are also mindful of the fact that Commander Oluebube remains a suspect and has not been convicted or proven guilty by any court of competent jurisdiction.
However, beyond this isolated incident lies a far more troubling systemic neglect one that is directly traceable to the insensitive policies of the Abia State Government. The payment of a paltry ₦40,000 monthly salary to vigilante operatives is not only unacceptable but a clear invitation to insecurity. It is both unrealistic and irresponsible for any government to expect professionalism, discipline, and integrity from security personnel subjected to such economic hardship and indignity.
In a system where the government receives enormous resources from the federal government, where the governor allocates to himsef a staggering ₦933 million monthly as a security vote, far higher than that of Borno State, which faces existential security challenges, and higher than that of all the southeastern states, in a state where the governor drives around with bullet proof SUV vehicles and spends ₦223.39 million monthly on meals, refreshments, and personal welfare in his private residence, as reflected in the state’s budget performance.
Let it be clearly noted that funds intended to strengthen the state’s local security architecture are being selfishly, greedily, and irresponsibly diverted by the state government, while frontline operatives are left underpaid, neglected, and unsupported, conditions that increase the risk of professional compromise.
Comparatively, states with lesser resources have demonstrated greater responsibility and compassion. In Enugu State, local vigilante operatives earn a minimum of ₦80,000, significantly higher than the federal minimum wage and are equipped with modern security tools, reflecting a governance approach that recognizes the importance of investing in human capital for security effectiveness. The situation in Abia, where even basic welfare is neglected, underscores a troubling lack of empathy and commitment by the Alex Otti administration.
This underpayment and poor treatment are not limited to security operatives. While Governor Alex Otti pays road sweepers an embarrassingly low ₦23,000 per month without any additional allowances, their counterparts in Enugu earns ₦80,000 and above while their supervisors are paid ₦120,000 along with extra benefits.
Despite the state government’s propaganda regarding the welfare of Abia civil servants, many workers are yet to benefit from the approved ₦70,000 minimum wage. The government has failed to prioritize the welfare of its workforce, while financial recklessness persists. Commander Tochi Oluebube, if found guilty, would represent a victim of systemic neglect, poor remuneration, and frustration, factors that erode morale and create conditions where compromise becomes increasingly likely. This is not just bad policy; it is insensitive and a direct threat to public safety and security.
The APC therefore warns that this exploitative wage structure is both immoral and dangerous. No society can maintain peace and order when those charged with its protection are poorly remunerated and pushed to the brink of survival.
We urge Governor Alex Otti, as a matter of urgency, to review and substantially improve the salaries, allowances, and overall welfare of Abia Vigilante operatives and other low-income workers. Governance must be humane, people-centered, and responsive not detached, extravagant, and indifferent to the plight of citizens.
Abians deserve better. Our security personnel deserve dignity, respect, and a living wage. Anything short of this is unacceptable.
Signed:
Uche Aguoru
Publicity Secretary
APC Abia State
