Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged Nigerians and government institutions to deploy all legitimate measures necessary to combat terrorism and other threats to national security, warning that insecurity continues to undermine the country's development and democratic aspirations.
The governor made the call in a statewide broadcast to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, where he reflected on Nigeria's democratic journey and called for renewed commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance.
In his address titled "Of Freedom and Development," Otti described terrorism as a major challenge confronting the nation, noting that its impact extends beyond the loss of lives to the destruction of families and communities.
"We must deploy every legitimate tool at our disposal to confront the nightmare of terrorism, which steals lives, shatters dreams and makes refugees of vulnerable people, especially women and children," the governor said.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to reject divisive tendencies and practices that weaken democratic institutions, including political greed, ethnic and religious intolerance, and other forms of behaviour that are inconsistent with democratic values.
According to him, "the time is now ripe to effectively denounce the evil of economic and political greed, sectarianism and other behavioural dispositions that are incompatible with democratic values and principles."
Otti noted that Democracy Day provides an opportunity for citizens to assess the nation's progress since the return to democratic rule in 1999 and to reflect on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
"The most appealing promise of democracy is the allowance for plurality of opinions, the freedom to interrogate ideas and the opportunity for periodic reflection," he stated.
"This day presents to us, members of the Nigerian community, a special invitation to evaluate our pace on the democratic track, interrogate assumptions and estimate our measure of progress."
The governor observed that the struggle to restore democratic rule between 1993 and 1999 was sustained by courageous Nigerians who risked their lives and freedoms to challenge military dictatorship.
"The years between 1993 and 1999 were defined by the courage and resilience of our compatriots who made very difficult sacrifices to remove Nigeria from the shackles of military dictatorship," he said.
"A great price was paid to restore democracy to this land. It then follows that we have to regularly remind ourselves that the rights, freedom and privileges we enjoy today are borne from the toil and tears of thousands of men and women who refused to give in to the threats and shenanigans of military dictatorship."
Otti also used the occasion to caution voters against electoral malpractice, particularly the practice of selling votes to politicians during elections.
He argued that citizens undermine their own right to demand accountability when they accept financial inducements from political actors.
"May I also use this auspicious occasion to announce to us that we strip ourselves of the right to accountable governance when we begin to accept bribes from politicians and political parties for votes," he said.
"The same thing also happens when we offer ourselves as instruments of violence or sell our platforms to those who promote bigotry, hatred or sectarian triumphalism."
The governor called on Nigerians to remain vigilant as preparations begin for future elections, emphasising that democracy thrives when citizens are informed and actively involved in governance.
"As we prepare for the next round of general elections, it is incumbent on all of us to be attentive to everything happening around us, for democracy demands knowledge, which is the foundation of informed decision-making," he said.
Otti further expressed optimism about the future of Abia State, insisting that the gains recorded by his administration would be sustained and expanded.
"May I assure that our progress is irreversible. We are never returning to the old order of mediocrity, for the light has shone in our path. Progress may be slow, but need not be a mirage," he declared.
The governor urged citizens to remain united and committed to building a better society, noting that collective responsibility and shared values remain essential to the success of democratic governance.
Democracy Day is celebrated annually on June 12 in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and serves as a reminder of Nigeria's long struggle for democratic rule.
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