Outrage as Abia Vigilante Operatives Earn ₦40,000 Monthly While Security Vote Nears ₦1bn — APC Blasts Otti Govt
“A wave of outrage has trailed revelations that vigilante operatives safeguarding communities in Abia State earn as little as ₦40,000 monthly, a development the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as “inhumane, dangerous, and a ticking time bomb for insecurity,” especially amid claims of massive government spending on security votes and welfare.”
“The Abia State chapter of the APC has condemned the reported ₦40,000 monthly salary paid to vigilante operatives, warning that poor welfare for security personnel could fuel insecurity. The party criticized the state government’s spending priorities and urged an urgent salary review to improve morale and public safety.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, has strongly condemned what it described as the “gross mistreatment, neglect, and scandalously low remuneration” of members of the Abia State Vigilante Services under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
In a statement signed by Uche Aguoru, the state publicity secretary and made available to the media,, the party said recent media reports involving Ms. Tochi Oluebube, a commander in the vigilante services arrested over alleged misconduct, has once again brought to light the “deeply troubling welfare conditions” faced by security operatives and civil servants in the state.
According to the APC, “a system that underpays, undervalues, and demoralizes those entrusted with safeguarding lives and property is inevitably laying the foundation for insecurity.”
While unequivocally condemning “any form of criminality, vandalism, or abuse of office,” the party emphasized that Oluebube “remains a suspect and has not been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction.”
However, the APC stressed that beyond the isolated incident lies “a more disturbing pattern of systemic neglect directly linked to the policies of the Abia State Government.”
The party described the ₦40,000 monthly salary paid to vigilante operatives as “not only unacceptable but a clear invitation to insecurity,” adding that “it is unrealistic and irresponsible to expect professionalism and discipline from personnel subjected to such economic hardship.”
“In a state receiving substantial federal allocations, it is alarming that the governor reportedly allocates to himself a staggering ₦933 million monthly as a security vote, while frontline operatives are left in poverty,” the statement read.
The APC further alleged that the state government spends about ₦223.39 million monthly on “meals, refreshments, and personal welfare,” describing the situation as “a glaring contradiction and misplacement of priorities.”
“Funds meant to strengthen local security architecture are being selfishly and irresponsibly diverted, while those at the frontlines remain neglected and vulnerable,” the party added.
Drawing comparisons, the APC noted that “states with fewer resources, such as Enugu, pay vigilante operatives at least ₦80,000 monthly and provide modern equipment,” describing this as “a clear demonstration of responsible and people-centered governance.”
The party also decried the welfare of other low-income workers, stating that road sweepers in Abia reportedly earn “an embarrassing ₦23,000 monthly without allowances,” while their counterparts elsewhere earn significantly higher wages.
It further accused the state government of failing to fully implement the approved ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants, despite public claims to the contrary.
The APC warned that “this exploitative wage structure is both immoral and dangerous,” stressing that “no society can maintain peace and order when those responsible for its security are pushed to the brink of survival.”
The party called on Governor Alex Otti to “urgently review and substantially improve the salaries, allowances, and welfare of 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,” the statement concluded.
“Abians deserve better. Our security personnel deserve dignity, respect, and a living wage. Anything short of this is unacceptable.”
