Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has called on Nigerians to embrace a new set of national value that promotes justice and equity as the foundation of the national unity.
The Governor who spoke during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi cenotaph, Ogurube layout, Umuahia, urged Nigerians to shun corruption and sharp practices.
Otti urged all to reject all forms of abuse of public trust and ensure promotion of justice and fairness in all spheres of life.
He emphasised the need to cater for the members of the Nigerian armed forces.
Gov. Otti said: “To all of us, the more important take away of today’s celebration is the need to evolve a new set of national value that promotes justice at 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 the national renaissance project.
“Every Nigerian, especially those who have answered the patriotic call of defending our land against all forms of threats should get what is due them when it is due, for that is the only way of strengthening the nation,” Gov. Otti started.
The Governor maintained that Nigerian people equally have a responsibility of supporting the military and other members of the Nigerian armed forces and encouraged all to seek a resolution of disputes with wisdom instead of deploying violence which puts lives of innocent men and women in danger.
“We have a sacred responsibility to build a better national community by bringing our grievances to the table for solution. Violence can neither yield nor guarantee the actualisation of satisfactory outcomes.
“We are therefore, encouraged to seek resolution 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.
“As citizens , it is our job to support these men and women who make uncommon sacrifices to guarantee the security and peace of our nation.
“We are to lift their morale by words of encouragement and willingness to cooperate with them when called upon especially in the tracking and identification of criminal activities in our communities,” Gov. Otti stressed.
He however enjoined the officers and men of the Nigerian military establishment to model the highest conduct of professionalism and ethical behaviour in the discharge of their duties, saying that they should appreciate the fact that Nigeria is a nation governed by laws and respect for the rights of citizens.
Governor Otti said that it would not be acceptable for the members of the armed forces to engage in acts that undermine the ethos of the military practice and assured that his government would continue to work closely with them and cater for their welfare.
“It will never be acceptable for our service men and women to engage in acts and practices that undermine the ethos of the military profession or damage the reputation of the institution they represent.
“As a State, we shall continue to work 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,” Gov. Otti assured.
He appreciated the various security agencies working in the state for their efforts in making the state safe and expressed the joy that the collaboration with them has continued to improve on the security of the State.
The Governor regretted the loss of some galant officers last year who died in active service and informed the gathering that his government has fulfilled all its promises to the families of the deceased including cash payment, scholarship for the children among others.
The event featured laying of wreaths on the tomb of the unknown soldier by Governor Alex Otti; Commander 14 Brigade Ohafia; Brigadier O.O. Diya; Commandant Nigeria Naval College Owerrinta, O.A. Eyitayo; and the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa.
Among other dignitaries who laid wreath were the Chairman Nigerian Legion, Abia State chapter, Commodore Austine Duruoha (rtd); Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba; and others.
Other highlights of the ceremony were prayers and a minute silence observed in honour of the fallen heroes, gun salutes and commemorative release of pigeons signifying peace.
Former Military Governor of Kogi State, Commodore Paul Omeruo; and members of the State Executive Council, attended the ceremony.
