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Restoring Faith in Nigeria’s Democracy: New Paths to Guaranteed Outcomes

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2 years ago

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Across the world, there is a consensus that Nigeria is a very strategic country. Its enormous population size of more than 200 million people clearly sets it apart as one of the most populous destinations on earth, and home to the largest concentration of black people in the world. Our beloved country is also renowned for its large mineral deposits and extensive gas reserves, economic and political influence in Africa, especially in the West African region. This great nation also enjoys longstanding trade and diplomatic relationships with the most dominant global powers including the US, China, and the European Union.

Beyond all of these, and as important as they are, my estimation of the most important strength of Nigeria lies in the dynamic adaptability, intellect and resilience of our people. Our true greatness, I dare say, comes from the power and reach of ordinary Nigerians, the individuals whose energy, passion and imagination are creatively expanding the frontiers of our awareness, interactions, and the cultural memories we shall leave for future generations. Through the traffic gridlocks along Lagos roads to the ever-busy markets in Aba and Kano, the most common descriptions that capture the Nigerian spirit are energy, resilience, creativity and industry. Outside the shores of our country, from Washington to Boston, London, Brussels, Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai, Nigerians are remarkable for our exceptional ability to adapt to new environments and realities, systems and cultures.

Nigeria, many who are familiar with the country and its dominant ethos will agree, is a very beautiful country; but it is also a deeply controversial place. To the incurable optimist, Nigeria is the most fantastic place on earth — good weather condition, friendly population and a fine mix of urban and sub-urban locations. At the opposite end of the pole are implacable cynics, those who can effortlessly place all the troubles in the world within Nigeria’s geographic boundaries. This latter group are very likely to remember Nigeria as the origin of most of the scam proposals that hit their emails, a place of poverty and hopelessness, and definitely, a country with very corrupt political and business elites. In all honesty, there is no exact way to exhaustively look at Nigeria. To be able to understand it quite objectively, one must appreciate the good without attempting to downplay the not-so-good. Nigeria is troubled and that’s very true. But it is also a place of opportunities, a land of dreams and a cradle of hope for tens of millions of people. To properly situate Nigeria’s objective reality is a very difficult assignment; it requires one to take a step back, and then gaze into the future to imagine what could be, as against what is, and what was.

Nigeria at the beginning of the new millennium was a place of hope, a land brimming with expectations. Many had looked forward to the future with great optimism around the middle of 1999 as the country, after years of uncertainty with its attendant cost in human lives and material resources, returned to democratic rule. The return to democracy at the end of the 20th century was believed in many quarters, and for good reasons too, as the ultimate elixir to catapult Nigeria to its true place of greatness. The rich promises of democracy, and the enthusiasm with which it was embraced after years of anticipation, convinced many that the 21st century was ours to take.

In view of our ugly experiences with military dictators headlined by false and unfulfilled promises, corruption and plain disregard for civil rights, millions of Nigerians pinned their hopes of national revival on the shoulders of the newly elected democratic leaders, believing firmly that the participatory governance model will usher in a new era of mass prosperity, restoration and expansion of our stock of public infrastructure, and ascension in the order of global importance. It has been 25 long years since Nigeria took this path; sadly, the outcome has been a far cry from what was expected at the turn of the new millennium.

Democracy in Nigeria has regrettably left very sour taste in the mouths of millions of patriotic citizens. Many lives have been lost through violence, often in pursuit of core democratic ideals such as exercising one’s right to vote or be voted for. Millions have fled their communities and the country altogether — believing that it is safer to watch things from afar, without the risks of getting involved. For scores of millions of others, their faith in democracy has been greeted with eviscerating poverty, insecurity and job losses. The basic amenities that are taken for granted, even in neighbouring African countries, are a distant reality for millions of our people.

Across Nigeria, there is disillusionment with how the country has fared over the last 25 years. In 1999, it would have been impossible to suggest that after twenty five years, we will still be struggling with public electricity supply, petrol scarcity or that the public schools and hospitals would be where they are today. Unfortunately, that is our reality. Getting out of the quagmire requires some truth telling, an honest assessment and an admission that we could have done better — and then evaluate the options before us.

Across the world, there is a great reawakening amongst the Nigerian diaspora community, the body of professionals and the army of educated but thoroughly dissatisfied young people who are simply frustrated with the reality and misery of their daily existence. Many Nigerians living within and outside the country are coming to the awareness that the destiny of our country is too important to be left in the hands of career politicians and their cronies. This is not a good time to talk about patriotism to millions of our compatriots because of the bad experiences, unpleasant memories, and ugly reports we are regularly fed with, some bordering on the most bizarre and ridiculous. Our situation, to say the least, is very distressing.

Although doubts and cynicisms remain about what to do and what outcomes may be achieved in the renewed agitation for a country that serves the yearnings of its citizens, the new consciousness that we deserve better, could be a great turning point in our journey to national restoration. It needs to be said at once that the efforts to turn things around will not yield immediate results and not much will be achieved if we imagine that the quest for a more functional society should only be restricted to just a few persons or groups. While I would agree that like in every significant venture, some persons will, for variety of reasons, make more sacrifices than others, it must nevertheless be made known that there is a role for everyone in the on-going struggle to reclaim our country from the grip of the vicious forces that have held it down for ages, and finally set it free to attain its fullest potential.

Although it is true that Nigerians must, as a matter of patriotic duty, stay at the forefront of this enormous struggle to tilt things along a more productive path, it has to equally be acknowledged that we shall need all the help we can get from our friends around the world to rebuild our country from the ruins of the bad decisions of yesteryears. The crises of today, including challenges in governance, economic upheavals, widespread insecurity across several parts of the country, hunger and poverty, and other pointers to national failure, can be traced to the misjudgements of the past — especially in our choice of leaders across the national and subnational levels, and the terrible decisions made by those leaders on our collective behalf. We can no longer afford to play the ostrich. Nigeria is where it is today because we had either refused to fully acknowledge, and take up our obligations as patriots, or had gone about it the wrong way in the choices we made over the years. The good news however is that our country is not beyond redemption, irrespective of whatever doomsday cynics say.

Nigeria, and its democracy, can be recovered and restored but that will only happen when we come to terms with the responsibilities and obligations of citizenship. The inescapable truth is that our duties as citizens, leaders, friends and lovers of Nigeria can no longer be put off. The only way out of the present quagmire which has made millions of Nigerians refugees in their homelands and hundreds of thousands of others unwilling migrants overseas, is to appreciate that as citizens, we have all it takes to turn the tide around.

The theme of our intervention today rightly acknowledges that all is not well, that democracy has not taken us to the destination we desire — that what started as a beautiful dream, has become for millions, a terrible nightmare. Freedom comes from knowledge so we have to ask ourselves the hard questions that will ultimately bring us to the place where responsibility replaces blames and all fingers pointed outwards, towards others, redirected at ourselves.

Democracy can be likened to a medical prescription. In regular medical prescriptions, there are responsibilities the patient must undertake to bear such as avoiding certain foods and beverages, and other exposures that may hurt the potency of the drugs administered. This same system of regulations and responsibilities applies to democracy. Unfortunately, that is where we have largely failed because we had assumed, perhaps in error, that once this prescription is taken, all will be well, irrespective of what we did, or refused to do. Regrettably, that has not worked. The failures of the last 25 years, vis-à-vis the progress recorded in other democratic societies across the world, even within Africa, tells us clearly that the fault is not in democracy, but in the way we have interacted with it. Like the man who hopes to overcome his health challenges by diligently taking his drugs, the time has come for us to go through the prescription booklets, read the fine prints to find out what we may have missed. Returning to the basics will help us to get our acts together in terms of how we make choices at the polls, and interact with public officials, whether elected or appointed. We may also need to re-evaluate how we engage with the broad spectrum of stakeholders, officials and institutions including the law enforcement agencies, political parties, law makers and of course, the courts. From a careful study of governance systems across the world, one thing I can say with certainty is that democracy and docility cannot go together.

The most enduring appeal of democracy is the voice it gives every adult in the society — an opportunity to have a say in how public affairs are conducted. The ultimate good for the majority cannot be attained in a culture that promotes docility over courage, especially when things are not going according to plan. It is, however, important to state quickly that courage must never be misrepresented to mean violence and destruction. As a matter of fact, democracy abhors violence expressed in any form, verbally or physically.

The tremendous advances in information and communications technology offer us an important leverage previous generations never had. The key advantage for me is the reach and influence of new media platforms — the power to share our thoughts and views on any major issue with millions of people across geographical boundaries. If what you say or write from a small corner of your room anywhere in the world can be read or heard thousands of miles away with very little effort on your part, why then does anyone need to burn down public buildings or destroy the property of fellow citizens to get the attention of leaders? It may be news to many but I can assure you that even the most hardened, unconscionable dictator pays attention to the expressed opinions and views of the public because every man or woman of power understands the power of small voices amplified by technology and persistence.

To rebuild the damaged foundation of our democracy, we need to regain our voices. I am not ignorant of the frustration and disappointment millions of our young people feel in the light of recent electoral outcomes where you contributed financial and other valuable resources to support your favourite candidates in state and national elections but unfortunately, things did not go the way those who designed the structural foundations of democracy envisioned.

As somebody who had faced the challenge that comes with electoral injustice, I know exactly what many of our young patriots are going through but my story also teaches some important lessons in persistence and faith, especially in the face of disappointment. We must refuse to give up on democracy, and on our dear country. The young people of Nigeria, at home and in the diaspora, will be the largest and most enduring influence on the texture and dynamics of Nigeria’s democracy in the next 25 years. It is these young, seemingly uncoordinated voices on various social media platforms that will determine what becomes of our democracy in the next few decades. Admitted that the social and economic troubles of the moment have made the pursuit of certain democratic ideals herculean, my conviction is that nothing will stop the present generation of young Nigerians from fulfilling their destiny, having discovered it in the miseries and setbacks of the present age.

These are excerpts of a paper presented by Dr. Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State at the October 2024 “Nigeria in the World” Seminar.

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BURNING ISSUE

Presidential Visit, Education, Healthcare Reforms Drive Abia To Nigeria’s 3rd Most Improved State — Otti

Published

4 days ago

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July 24, 2026

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Governor Alex Otti has attributed Abia State’s emergence as Nigeria’s third most improved state in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index to his administration’s strategic investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure.
Also his governance and the growing collaboration with the Federal Government, including the recent visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Speaking during the July edition of his monthly media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti described the latest ranking as a clear validation of his administration’s reforms.

The Governor said the progress reflects the positive impact of government policies on the lives of Abians.
The first Abia citizen noted that Abia has made one of the most remarkable improvements in the country’s performance ranking, rising from 36th position in 2024 to 10th in 2025, and now 3rd in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index, behind only Enugu and Jigawa States.

Governor Otti said the state’s transformation has been driven by sustained investments in critical sectors, particularly healthcare, education, infrastructure, land administration and economic development.

Highlighting achievements in the health sector, he disclosed that Abia recorded one of Nigeria’s best performances in reducing maternal and infant mortality in the first quarter of 2026, while enrolment into the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme continues to increase.

According to him, 144 of the state’s 200 Primary Healthcare Centres have been fully functionalised, while 77 additional health facilities renovated through the World Bank intervention have also been completed, with about 30 more centres expected to become operational soon.

On transportation and infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that the state has received 20 additional electric buses, which would operate on routes including Umuahia–Bende–Arochukwu, Umuahia–Uturu (ABSU), Umuahia–Umudike–Ikwuano, Aba–Owerri and Aba–Ukwa. He added that surveillance systems have been installed in the buses to ensure accountability and improve service delivery.

The Governor further disclosed that work is progressing steadily on the Aba Bus Terminal, while the first phase of the Ekeoma Market remodelling has been completed and would soon be commissioned.
In the area of land administration, Governor Otti said the government has issued 4,923 Certificates of Occupancy within three years, with nearly 1,000 processed this year alone, adding that the completion of the state’s digital mapping project in partnership with UN-Habitat would usher in a fully digitised land administration system that would eliminate fraudulent land transactions and speed up property documentation.

On education, he said the administration’s Smart School initiative is gathering momentum with two Smart Schools already commissioned out of the planned twenty, assuring that the remaining eighteen schools would be completed soon.
“The idea is to expose our children to modern technology from an early stage,” the Governor stated.
Addressing ongoing infrastructure projects, Governor Otti acknowledged that the rainy season has slowed the pace of road construction but assured residents that work continues across major project sites. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending flooding through the construction of durable drainage infrastructure.

Responding to concerns over rising rents in Umuahia and Aba, the Governor attributed the increase to growing demand for accommodation and announced that the government would soon commence the Pocket Layout Housing Project in Umuahia to bridge the housing deficit.
Governor Otti described the recent visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major boost to Abia’s creative economy. He revealed that a dedicated bank account has been opened for the Akwete Cloth Production Hub, while the First Lady has authorised the release of the funds she pledged to support the Akwete women’s weaving initiative.
He urged residents to promote indigenous industries by patronising and wearing the locally woven Akwete fabric.

The Governor also commended residents for embracing environmental sanitation, urged them to sustain the culture of cleanliness, praised security agencies for maintaining peace across the state and congratulated the Commissioner of Police on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

 

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia To Reposition Umuahia Markets, Orders Facelift And Relocation As Urban Renewal Gathers Momentum

Published

6 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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The Abia State Government has unveiled plans to transform key markets in Umuahia, including the Ogwumabiri Market at Ossah, through comprehensive renovation and, where necessary, relocation to more suitable sites, as part of a wider urban renewal programme aimed at boosting commerce, improving infrastructure and ensuring sustainable city development.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu explained that the government is taking a holistic approach to modernising markets within the state capital to create a more conducive environment for traders and consumers while addressing planning and environmental concerns.

He also announced that the tendering process for the construction of the Pocket Estate Layout in Umuahia has been concluded, with the list of successful contractors expected to be released during the week.

On infrastructure, the Commissioner said the Ministry of Works is currently executing direct labour road projects at 46 locations across the state. He noted that three road maintenance projects have been completed, while two additional roads have been incorporated into the ministry’s maintenance programme.

According to him, the completed projects include the failed section of the Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of the Akara Junction–Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato LGA, and the rehabilitation of Mazi Okoro Avenue in Obinkita, Arochukwu LGA.

He added that rainy season maintenance has commenced on the Opopo Junction–Azumini–Obehe Road, a federal highway linking the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as the access road to Obingwa General Hospital and the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
As part of measures to strengthen urban planning and public safety, Kanu announced that the state government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing as a prerequisite for obtaining building permits in Umuahia.

He said the policy is designed to improve structural integrity, prevent building collapse and safeguard lives and property by ensuring that every building is designed in accordance with the soil characteristics of its location.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified drainage desilting operations across flood-prone areas of the capital city to mitigate flooding and improve environmental sanitation.

Areas currently benefiting from the exercise include Adelabu Street, the drainage channel from Shoprite to Uwalaka Street, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church Ndume Road, Church of Christ axis and Finbarrs Road.
The latest decisions of the State Executive Council underscore the Otti administration’s commitment to modernising markets, expanding infrastructure, strengthening urban planning, improving road connectivity and building safer, more resilient communities across Abia State.

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CONVENTION

Governor Otti Orders Immediate Payment of Entitlements To Disengaged Workers

Published

1 week ago

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July 20, 2026

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…. Receives Massive 2027 Endorsement From Imo Indigenes In Abia

Governor Alex Otti has directed the immediate calculation and payment of entitlements to workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness and inclusive governance.

Responding to an appeal for the recall of workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, the Governor explained that many of those affected have now reached retirement age and may no longer be able to return to active service.

He therefore directed that their outstanding entitlements be computed and paid without delay. According to him, the directive applies to all affected workers irrespective of their state of origin, noting that similar payments had already commenced for eligible beneficiaries following verification exercises.

This is a testament to the sincerity of  his administration as thousands of Imo indigenes resident in Abia State gathered in Aba to endorse him for a second term in 2027, citing his transformational leadership, infrastructural renewal, improved security and people-centred policies.

The endorsement came during a grand civic reception organised by Ndi Imo in Abia on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in honour of Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti. The event attracted Imo indigenes from all the 27 Local Government Areas resident in Abia State.
Addressing the gathering at the pavilion of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Governor Otti assured residents that his administration would continue to implement policies that benefit everyone irrespective of state of origin, reiterating that there is no discrimination based on origin under his government.

The Governor thanked the Imo community for the overwhelming show of love and solidarity, particularly in honour of his wife, who hails from Mbaise in Imo State. He assured them that his administration’s achievements over the last three years represent only the beginning of greater developments to come.
“This is just the beginning. We have been here for just three years. By the grace of God, in the next five years, you will see even greater things. Once you have found your feet, there is no going back to Egypt. We will continue to develop and do better,” Governor Otti declared.

Governor Otti also appreciated the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Perry Opara, for identifying with the event. He assured him that Imo indigenes living in Abia enjoy equal rights, security and opportunities as citizens of the state.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, Chief Perry Opara described the massive turnout as evidence of the cordial relationship between Imo residents and the Abia State Government. He noted that Governor Otti, whose wife is from Imo State, has continued to carry every resident along in governance and urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Achigbu; Chairman of the Steering Committee, Chief MacDonald; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ndi Imo in Abia, Chief Boniface Mbachu, represented by Chief James Odocha; National President of South East Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe; Labour Party Zonal Women Leader for Abia South, Mrs. Lilian Ezenobi; the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); and the Founder of the Local Boys Movement, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Chukwuma Azode, unanimously endorsed Governor Otti for a second term in office.

 

They applauded his visionary leadership and transformational achievements in infrastructure, security, stable electricity, economic development and good governance, describing his administration as one that has restored hope and confidence among residents. They also praised the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, describing her as a worthy daughter of Imo State whose support has continued to strengthen the Governor’s success.

Delivering the vote of thanks, an Imo indigene and Commissioner in the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Chief G.C. Duru, reaffirmed the unassuming support of Imo residents for Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking with journalists, Dr. Ikechukwu Ijemba, a Board of Trustees member of Ndi Imo in Aba and proprietor of Chris Mary Hotel, said Governor Otti’s administration has provided appointments for qualified sons and daughters of the community while transforming the state’s infrastructure, electricity supply and security architecture. He said these achievements informed their overwhelming endorsement.

Other stakeholders, including the Leader of Echezona Street Vanguard, Mr. Michael Aniorji; Managing Director of Kingswell Hospital, Aba, Dr. Ugochukwu Okoro; Chairman of Ngwa Market, Chief Ejim Munachimso; and broadcaster, M.C. Ifeanyi Ahanaihu of Magic FM, described the current administration as the most impactful since the return of democracy.

They likened Governor Otti’s developmental strides to those of the late Governor Sam Mbakwe and expressed confidence that history would remember him for positively transforming Abia State.
Several coordinators of Ndi Imo across the various Local Government Areas, including Ambassador Cosmos Ukata (Oru East), Barr. Uche Anyaiam (Nkwere), Mr. Chinedu Okere (Ngor Okpala), Mr. Augustine Opara (Aboh Mbaise), Mr. Frank Onuoha (Ahiazu Mbaise), Mr. Christian Orumadu and Chief Ferdinand Onuoha (Njaba), also commended the remarkable pace of development across Abia State. They noted that increasing property values, improved infrastructure and enhanced security clearly demonstrate that the state is on a new trajectory of growth.

They further disclosed that many eligible members of the Imo community resident in Abia have obtained or transferred their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Abia State, expressing their determination to support Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
The colourful event featured cultural displays, traditional dances and masquerade performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Imo State, adding glamour to the celebration of unity, inclusiveness and transformational governance in Abia State.

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