Abia Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti says democracy remains Nigeria’s most reliable pathway to freedom, justice, and sustainable development.
In his Democracy Day address titled “Of Freedom and Development,” Governor Otti reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging citizens to draw lessons from the past while remaining committed to building a better future.
The governor noted that Democracy Day provides a unique opportunity for Nigerians to evaluate the nation’s democratic progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999 and, more significantly, since the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
According to him, while many Nigerians have become disillusioned by unmet expectations and the widening gap between democratic promises and present realities, it would be unfair to ignore the legitimate concerns of citizens who continue to face economic and social challenges.
He, however, stressed that despite the disappointments of the present, Nigerians must not abandon hope for a brighter future.
Governor Otti paid glowing tribute to the courageous men and women who fought tirelessly against military dictatorship and sacrificed their comfort, freedom, and even their lives to restore democracy in Nigeria.
He described the period between 1993 and 1999 as one marked by extraordinary courage and resilience, noting that many patriots endured persecution and made immense sacrifices to secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
“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; they held nothing back, not even their lives.
” 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”.
The governor emphasized that the rights and liberties enjoyed by citizens were earned through the struggles of countless pro-democracy activists who refused to bow to oppression.
While many of those heroes are no longer alive, he said their legacy continues to inspire future generations to defend democracy and pursue national development.
“The men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion that democracy may flourish in our country deserve our eternal gratitude for lighting the torch of liberty that we now carry forward. The pioneers who charted the path we tread upon in the present age came from all walks of life; they were statesmen, soldiers, lawyers, journalists, teachers, business moguls, traders, students, artisans, housewives and just about anyone with an ounce of patriotism in their veins.
“If they could defy threats of imprisonment, loss of personal and family fortunes and death in the pursuit of their conviction, what then is our excuse? In honour of their collective memory, we are called to continue the never-ending struggle of the pursuit of liberty and justice”.
Addressing concerns over the performance of Nigeria’s democratic system, Governor Otti rejected claims that democracy itself has failed.
He argued that the nation’s setbacks should be attributed to poor decisions made by leaders and citizens rather than to democratic principles.
The governor maintained that democracy remains the most credible vehicle for national progress and warned against surrendering to pessimism.
He called on Nigerians to re-examine their commitment to the values and ideals that sustained the pro-democracy struggle, insisting that democracy thrives when citizens remain vigilant and actively engaged in governance.
Governor Otti reminded Nigerians that the struggle for liberty and justice did not end with the restoration of civilian rule.
He said the sacrifices made by past heroes impose a responsibility on present generations to continue defending democratic values.
According to him, the pioneers of Nigeria’s democratic movement came from diverse backgrounds, including lawyers, journalists, students, traders, teachers, artisans, business leaders, soldiers, and ordinary citizens united by patriotism and a shared vision for a better nation.
“In honour of their collective memory, we are called to continue the never-ending struggle of the pursuit of liberty and justice”.
He challenged Nigerians to emulate their courage and dedication in confronting contemporary challenges.
The Abia governor stressed that democracy must ultimately lead to the creation of a society where individual rights are protected and opportunities are accessible to all.
He called for a united front against terrorism, violent crimes, and all forms of insecurity that continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.
Beyond security concerns, he also identified economic greed, political selfishness, religious intolerance, and ethnic division as major obstacles to national development.
Governor Otti urged citizens to reject all forms of extremism and embrace the inclusive values that united the heroes of the June 12 struggle.
“We have a definite responsibility to resist those who profit from misery; terrorists and merchants of public anxiety, by whatever name they go by, have no place in our land. We must, therefore, 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 children.
” Beyond the troubling invasion of violent crimes in our public life, we must also not lose sight of the factors that enable extremism”.
While acknowledging imperfections within Nigeria’s electoral system, Governor Otti expressed satisfaction that regular elections have become an established feature of the country’s democratic practice.
He noted that despite challenges experienced during previous electoral cycles, the ability of citizens to choose their leaders every four years demonstrates significant democratic progress.
The governor, however, warned that elections would be meaningless if citizens failed to participate actively in the democratic process.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, monitor political developments, and resist any attempts to undermine the will of the people before, during, and after elections.
He further cautioned voters against accepting inducements, selling their votes, participating in electoral violence, or promoting hate and division for political gain.
According to him, citizens who engage in such practices become accomplices in the erosion of democratic values and accountable governance.
Governor Otti acknowledged that meaningful development takes time and cannot be achieved overnight.
