Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says though there is growing frustration among many Nigerians over widening economic hardship and unfulfilled expectations, Nigerian citizens should not surrender to hopelessness.
Governor Otti in his 2026 Democracy Day address titled, “Of Freedom and Development,” noted that despite disappointments recorded since the return to civil rule in 1999, democracy remains the most credible platform for nation-building.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic shortcomings stem not from the failure of democracy itself, but from poor leadership choices and collective decisions by the people.
“A lot may have gone wrong, but there is still so much to fight for , for ourselves and generations yet unborn,” the Governor pointed out.
The Governor called on Nigerians to renew their faith in democracy by rejecting political greed, electoral manipulation and violence, while suing for active citizenship as the surest path to national development and sustainable freedom.
He reminded all that national progress requires resilience, patriotism and a collective commitment to democratic ideals.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Governor Otti described June 12 as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy heroes who fought against military dictatorship to restore democratic governance in the country.
While pouring encomium on the heroes of the June 12 struggle, he made it clear that the struggle for liberty and development remains unfinished and charged Nigerians to honour the memories of fallen democratic heroes by defending justice, accountability and national unity.
The Governor charged Nigerians to remain united in pursuit of shared dreams of justice, liberty and prosperity, while urging citizens to make choices that reflect their collective aspirations for a better future.
Governor Otti condemned terrorism, violent extremism and political intolerance, warning that insecurity and economic greed pose grave threats to democracy and national stability.
He however insisted that Nigeria must confront criminality and terrorism decisively and further called for the provision of enabling factors such as economic injustice, sectarianism and political exploitation.
The Governor also used the occasion to caution citizens against electoral complacency ahead of future elections, emphasizing that democracy thrives only when citizens remain vigilant and actively involved in governance.
He warned Nigerians against selling their votes, accepting political inducements or becoming tools of violence and ethnic division, describing such actions as a betrayal of public trust.
“When citizens accept bribes for votes or offer themselves as agents of violence and division, they become conspirators in the desecration of democracy,” the Governor stated.
Turning to his administration, Governor Otti noted that his policies and programmes have empowered the people to reclaim their destiny after years of setbacks, pointing to investments in infrastructure, security, human capital development and social welfare as evidence.
According to him, Abia’s restoration was driven not by authoritarian leadership but by the democratic will of the people who elected leaders committed to service and accountability.
“The pride of our land is being restored. Our progress is irreversible, and we shall never return to the old order of mediocrity,” the Governor assured.
