Democracy Activist and Abia State Sports Ambassador (Boxing), Mazi Comr Ikechukwu Okoronkwo has called on Nigerians to appreciate those who render selfless service amid pressure to selfishly act otherwise.
Reacting to the recent honour bestowed on Prof. Nnenna Oti, the 2023 Returning Officer for Abia state Gubernatorial elections by Governor Alex Otti, the Democracy activist noted that Democracy survives when integrity stands and the people’s will is respected.
“The power of the voter is the strength of progressive democracy and the rule of law.
“When the voice of the people is heard through the ballot, there is no excuse left to justify any military takeover.
“Free elections remove the very foundation upon which undemocratic interventions thrive,” Okoronkwo pointed out.
While noting that Prof Nnenna Oti’s action is what Nigerians and every professional should emulate, the Ex-International Boxer called on all returning officers in Nigeria’s electoral process to emulate the former Vice Chancellor in order to build the country’s democracy.
“I further call on all election returning officers to emulate the courageous example of Prof. Nnenna Oti to give Nigerians the true result of the 2027 elections.
“Only then can we build a sustainable and improving democracy in Nigeria,” he concluded.
He further commended Governor Alex Otti for delivering democratic dividends through massive provision of infrastructure across, describing it as ‘clear evidence of democracy in practice’.
