Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on residents to promote peace, unity, and protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Otti made the appeal on Thursday during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Umuahia, the state capital, urging citizens to be mindful of their actions and resist the influence of religious operatives who promote extremism and intolerance.
The governor emphasized that violence has no place in Abia or the country, urging citizens to learn from history, particularly the 1966 coup and the Nigerian Civil War.
He commended the state’s security agencies for their dedication to protecting lives and property, noting that their efforts have enhanced social and economic activities, including the reactivation of previously dormant agricultural lands. Otti assured that the government would continue to provide the necessary support to maintain law and order across the state.
The governor also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in active duty over the past year. He disclosed that the state government had committed to supporting the families of the deceased, offering welfare provisions for spouses and scholarships for children up to tertiary level.
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“At all times, we must consider it more prudent to place diplomacy and tolerance above actions and rhetoric that are inimical to national unity and peaceful coexistence,” Otti said. “While disagreements are inevitable, what will set us apart is the willingness to come to the table and engage with each other as members of the same national family, respecting one another and appreciating that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.”
He added that Abia has transformed into one of the safest destinations to live and travel, attributing the improvement to the commitment of security agencies in the state.
Otti concluded by expressing gratitude to members of the Armed Forces for their dedication to peace and security in Abia communities.