Otti urges Nigerians to reject extremism, honours fallen heroes at Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday called on Nigerians to reject violence, extremism and divisive rhetoric, urging citizens to embrace dialogue, tolerance and national unity as the country marks the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

Speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Arcade in Umuahia, Otti said January 15 remains a deeply symbolic date in Nigeria’s history, marking both the 1966 military coup and the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. He described the 1966 coup as a “long, sad night” whose consequences, he noted, continue to haunt the country decades later.

According to the governor, the lessons from that period include the dangers of simplistic assumptions, single narratives, erosion of trust in institutions and political recklessness. He added that while the scars of the past have not fully healed, Nigeria has made “slow but steady progress” in redefining itself beyond ethnic and religious divisions.

Otti praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for evolving into a professional institution committed to democracy and national unity, describing them as a symbol of the country’s highest ideals.

“This ceremony is a tribute to courage and sacrifice,” the governor said, noting that the armed forces have played a critical role in preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and democratic structures.

He also commended security agencies operating in Abia State, attributing the improved security situation in the state to their commitment and collaboration with the government. According to him, Abia has transitioned from years of insecurity to becoming one of the safer states in the country, a development he said has helped reactivate economic and agricultural activities.

The governor paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in active service in the state over the past year, naming Lance Corporals Aminu Sani, Muazu Abdullahi, George Sylvanus and OSED Baba. He announced that the state government had committed to supporting their families through welfare assistance and scholarships for their children up to tertiary level, a package he said had also been extended to families of fallen police officers and other security personnel.

In his closing remarks, Otti warned against the manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments, stressing that violence should have no place in Nigerian society. He urged leaders and citizens alike to prioritise diplomacy and constructive engagement over rhetoric that threatens national cohesion.

“What will set us apart in the long run is our willingness to engage one another as members of the same national family,” he said, adding that Nigerians must remain guided by history and committed to justice, freedom and fairness.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty and to celebrate those currently serving the nation.