The Acting General Manager of the Abia State Homeland Security Agency, Chuks Alajemba, has apologized to DDL Tochi Oluebube over what he described as an injustice arising from the circumstances that led to her dismissal, assuring her that the state government has taken steps to restore her dignity and position.
Alajemba made the remarks during the formal return of Tochi Oluebube to the Abia State Homeland Security Agency following the intervention of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, after the Governor reviewed the circumstances surrounding her case.
According to the Acting General Manager, the Governor ordered an investigation after Tochi presented her complaint, and the findings showed that she was able to establish her case.
He said the Governor, acting as a responsible administrator, subsequently directed that her dignity be restored and that she be returned to her former position.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding her earlier dismissal, Alajemba said the decision was taken when the facts available at the time were not sufficiently clear.
“Tochi Oluebube, unfortunately, was dismissed because the facts were not too clear, and we made a decision in a hurry. And when I say ‘we,’ I mean including me. So, we all bear responsibility for what happened to Tochi.”
He said the Governor regretted what happened and subsequently instructed the management and Board of the Agency to take steps to restore her.
“The Governor regrets what happened to Tochi, and he has instructed me and the Board to restore her dignity because, in Abia State, everybody deserves a chance. Everybody has a right to fair hearing.”
Alajemba emphasized that the development should not be viewed as a victory for one side over another, but as an effort to correct what had gone wrong.
“So, in this case, there is no victor, no vanquished. Tochi Oluebube is not a thief. You were just a victim of circumstance.”
He also appealed to Tochi to embrace forgiveness as she returned to the Agency, stressing the importance of moving forward rather than dwelling on the circumstances surrounding her ordeal.
“As you come back, also understand, like I told them, forgiveness is always divine. If you do not forgive, you will ultimately make life very difficult for yourself.”
The Acting General Manager, who referenced his own personal experience of forgiving people who had wronged him, urged Tochi to extend the same spirit of forgiveness to those she believed may have contributed to her ordeal.
“I can tell you that I have forgiven everybody that did what they did to me. Everybody. I forgave them. And when I forgave them, the Lord forgave me too.”
He further assured her that the state government remained supportive of her return, noting that the Governor had demonstrated his commitment to restoring her position.
“The State is behind you. The Governor of Abia State loves you, and I am sure you have seen what he has done to restore you.”
Alajemba described her restoration as significant, adding that the matter should be regarded as settled following the Governor’s intervention.
“She has done no wrong. The Governor has restored you, and it should end at this.”
The Acting General Manager thereafter formally welcomed Tochi Oluebube back to the Agency, urging her colleagues to receive her warmly as she resumed her duties.
