Governor Otti Pledges Support For The Armed Forces

The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has affirmed the support of the state government to various security agencies in the state.

Governor Otti who spoke at the 2025 Armed Forces Rememberance Day held at the parade ground of the Nigerian Armed Forces located at the government layout, in Umuahia, the state capital commended personnel of the Nigerian Army for their brevity in the defence of the state and the country at large.

Gov. Otti who described the event as solemn and sober called for the remembrance of those that died in active service in the state and the country at large, especially in the last one year.

He also promised that the state government would join forces with the armed forces in combating insecurity in the state as his government pushes to make Abia State, safe Haven for business and economic activities.

Otti also charged the personnel of various security agencies serving in the state to be civil and professional in the discharge of their duties, this is even as he reminded the personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces of the need for them not to doubt the sovereignty of the country.

“Today’s event is both solemn and sober, inviting us to reflect on the enormity of sacrifices made by our compatriots who have answered the call to defend our fatherland and preserve the course of freedom, peace and justice across the world over the last century.

“This gathering presents a special invitation to all of us to think deeply about what we are willing to sacrifice for the good of the Nigerian society and the larger human community.

“The men whose courage, discipline and patriotism we celebrate today have laid down a good marker for us to follow in determining how far we are willing to go in a collective push to build a nation that is truly the pride of the human race.

“I would like to at this point invite us to remember in a special way, the brave servicemen who died in active duty in different parts of the State in the last one year.

“Today, we honour the memories and sacrifices of Staff Sergent Charles Ugochukwu, Sergent Bala Abraham, Corporal Ugwu Gideon, Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu, Lance Corporal Augustine Emmanuel, and Lance Corporal Owolabi Ojo. Also remembered with great affection and respect today are: Sergeant Ojo Godwin, Corporal Aliu Sunday, and Lance Corporal Akhider Sunday.

“As a State, we join the Nigerian Army, the hierarchy of the military establishments, families, friends and all that are touched by the departure of these brave warriors in mourning their painful loss.

“We are, however encouraged, to look beyond the pain of their passing to celebrate the values that inspired them to choose the path of service to our fatherland in military uniform.

“As we continue to pray for the peaceful repose of their souls and fortitude to those they left behind, we are encouraged to choose valour over fear in a determined opposition against the grave threats posed by religious and ideological extremists, violent criminals and all who have refused to subject themselves to the provisions of our Constitution.

“The good news is that our cause is a righteous one and whatever be the strength and motivation of the enemy, we shall win this raging battle against insecurity and similar threats to the sovereignty, peace and stability of our nation.

“While differences in opinions are common in every democratic society, we have to continually reject all forms of extremism in our interactions and dispositions to existential issues because there are no perfect situations.

“At the same time, it must be realised that we have a sacred responsibility to build a better national community by bringing our grievances to the table in a collective search for solutions that generally meet the yearnings of the different constituents of the larger Nigerian community.

“If there is one thing we have learnt in the last 64 years of existence as an independent nation, one that has survived an unfortunate Civil War and other forms of civil disturbances arising from ethno-religious and political disagreements, it is the fact that violence can neither yield nor guarantee the actualisation of satisfactory outcomes.

“Whatever is gained through violence and extremism is most likely to be lost in a similar fashion in the long run because injustice is a wound that festers until it is satisfactorily addressed from the roots.

“We are therefore encouraged to seek resolutions to disputes with wisdom and a general sense of brotherhood instead of resorting to violence which puts the lives of innocent men and women in grave danger.

“To all of us, the more important takeaway of today’s celebration is the need to evolve a new set of national values that promote justice as the foundation of our national unity, reject corruption and all forms of abuse of public trust and ultimately, enthrone meritocracy, fairness and an enduring sense of patriotism in the execution of our duties as stakeholders in a national renaissance project.

“Every Nigerian, especially those who have answered the patriotic call of defending our land against all forms of threat, should get what is due them when it is due for that is the only way of strengthening their faith in the nation.

“At no point should anyone serving this country be made to doubt the commitment of the sovereign to their material wellbeing and the welfare of those they leave behind, should they lose their lives in the battlefield.

“As citizens and patriots, it is our job to support these brave men and women who make uncommon sacrifices to guarantee the security and peace of our nation.

“We are to lift their morale by our words of encouragement and willingness to cooperate when called upon, especially in the tracking and identification of criminal activities in our communities.

“The men and women in uniform are our brothers and sisters irrespective of what part of the country they come from and as such, we owe them our support and cooperation to succeed at their jobs.

“The officers and men of the Nigerian military establishment on their part are encouraged to model the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour in the discharge of their duties, appreciating that we are a nation governed by laws and respect for the rights of citizens.

“No matter how low we may have sunk in our moral consciousness, it will never be acceptable for our servicemen and women to engage in acts and practices that undermine the ethos of the military profession or damage the reputation of the institutions they represent.

“As a State, we shall continue to work very closely and cordially with the various arms of the military and other security agencies to make Abia a safe destination for individuals, families and businesses.

“We have also taken over the sponsorship of the education of their children up to university level.

“My promise is that we shall not leave anyone behind and whatever happens in the course of your assignment here in Abia, you are guaranteed the generous support of the state government.”