Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has stressed the need for Nigerians to evolve a new set of national values that promotes justice at the foundation of national unity.
Governor Otti made this case on Wednesday during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi cenotaph, Ogurube layout, Umuahia.
He urged all to reject corruption and all forms of abuse of public trust and ensure the promotion of justice and fairness in all spheres of life and emphasized the need to cater to the members of the Nigerian armed forces.
“To all of us, the more important takeaway of today’s celebration is the need to evolve a new set of national values 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 to support 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 the 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 a solution. Violence can neither yield nor guarantee the actualization 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 establishments to model the highest conduct of professionalism and ethical behavior 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 to 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 the security of the State.
He regretted the loss of some gallant 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 payments and scholarships for the children, among others.
The event featured the laying of wreaths on the tomb of the unknown soldier by Governor Alex Otti, Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier O.O. Diya, Commandant Nigeria Naval College Owerrinta, O.A. Eyitayo, Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, 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 among others
Other highlights of the ceremony were prayers and a minute silence observed in honor of the fallen heroes, gun salutes, and the commemorative release of pigeons signifying peace.
