Abia State Governor, Alex Otti
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of national unity and embrace justice, accountability and fairness as the country commemorates the 60th anniversary of the death of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Otti made the call after attending a memorial ceremony held on Wednesday at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The governor said he joined members of the late Aguiyi-Ironsi’s family and several prominent Nigerians at the event, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.); former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Patience Jonathan; Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented at the ceremony; Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), Dr. Uche Ogah, Chief John Mbata, members of the diplomatic corps, senior military officers and other distinguished Nigerians.
According to Otti, the ceremony featured solemn prayers, the sounding of the Last Post and the laying of wreaths in honour of the late military leader.
He described the wreath-laying as “a timeless symbol of honour, respect, sacrifice, and unity.”
The governor also reflected on the tribute delivered by Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, saying her remarks underscored the need for Nigerians to draw enduring lessons from the country’s history.
“In her moving tribute, Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi reminded us that the memorial is not merely ceremonial, but a call to collective remembrance and national reaffirmation.”
Otti added, “She urged us to anchor Nigeria’s future on justice, accountability, discipline, and the collective good of all citizens. Her words challenge us to choose unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and cooperation over resentment.”
The Abia governor stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on the willingness of its citizens to reject divisions and work together in pursuit of a common national purpose.
“Nigeria must rise above the vices that divide us and embrace the virtues that bind us together. Our strength lies in unity, in building bridges across ethnic, religious, and political lines, and in pursuing justice and fairness for all.”
He concluded with prayers for the late Aguiyi-Ironsi and expressed hope for a more united and prosperous nation.
“May his soul continue to rest in peace, and may Nigeria stand strong, one nation, indivisible, prosperous, and united.”
