By Mazi Dr Otti Nwaka, hc
Social & Political Analyst.
In a political environment where violence, intimidation and thuggery have sadly become tools for some politicians to win power, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State, has distinguished himself with a firm and principled stand against political violence in all its forms.
Governor Otti has consistently maintained that power belongs to God and to the people, and that no ambition is worth the blood of any Abian or Nigerian. His administration has not and will never sponsor, condone, or harbor thugs, cultists or political militias. He believes in winning through ideas, performance and the will of the people, not through guns and machetes.
This is why Abia under Dr. Otti is experiencing peace. Elections should be a contest of ideas and records, not a war zone.
LESSONS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD – WHY VIOLENCE MUST BE REJECTED:
History around the world has taught us that political violence never builds a nation; it destroys it.
After a disputed election, political leaders incited youths to violence. Over 1,200 Kenyans were killed and more than 600,000 displaced. Kenya’s economy collapsed and it took years to rebuild trust. That is what thuggery causes.
What started as hate speech and political extremism by leaders led to genocide. Almost 800,000 people killed in 100 days. A whole generation lost because politicians chose division over peace.
Even in America, the world’s biggest democracy, when extremist supporters were incited to reject election results, they invaded the US Capitol. Five people died, democracy was shaken, and hundreds are in jail today. If it can happen in America, it can happen anywhere if we allow extremism.
We have seen it in Rivers, in Kogi, in Kano – where ballot box snatching and political killings led to loss of innocent lives and elections being declared inconclusive. The families that lost their children never recovered.
These examples show one truth: Violence starts as a political tool but ends as a monster that consumes everyone, including those who started it.
As we move toward the 2027 election season, we must all take a clear warning: Violence and extremism must have no place in Abia and in Nigeria.
Any politician who plans to import thugs, arm youths, or sponsor violence to snatch power should know that Abians are wiser now. The era of ballot box snatching and bloodshed is over. Security agencies must be vigilant, and parents must warn their children not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs for any selfish politician.
We stand fully with Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, in his message of peace, civility and issue-based politics. Let 2027 be about performance, development, and the future of our children — not about violence.
No to thuggery. No to political killing. No to extremism.
Yes to peace. Yes to Abia. Yes to Dr. Alex Otti’s example of leadership.
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