Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has paid glowing tribute to the late Abia-born pro-democracy crusader and human rights activist, Comrade Chima Ubani, describing him as a rare gem, a courageous defender of justice, and a true hero of democracy whose death still leaves a deep scar two decades after his demise in a fatal road accident.
In a remembrance message issued on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti recalled the noble virtues of the late activist, noting that Ubani lived a life of sacrifice, courage, candour, and compassion in service to humanity.
“Today, like every other year, brings painful memories of a tragedy that devastated many. Knowing Chima Ubani meant loving him sincerely. We were brought together by our quest for education as students and bonded as student leaders. Little did we know that our fathers were not only clergymen in the same church but also close friends who trusted and respected each other,” Otti recalled.
He noted that Ubani surrendered his life to the service of the nation, sacrificing personal comfort for the common good, while demonstrating uncommon resilience and altruism that marked him out as a true comrade.
“Chima did not die on a business trip; he died in a horrific auto crash along Potiskum Road, Maiduguri, during a nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress. His death shook humanity and remains a source of pain and grief to his family, friends, Abia State, and the entire nation,” the governor said.
While lamenting that the activist has not been accorded the honour and recognition he deserves despite his enduring impact, Otti assured that under his leadership, Abia State would immortalise Comrade Ubani and his legacies.
The governor also urged his contemporaries in activism not to abandon the ideals and struggles they once shared with Ubani, stressing that doing so would amount to betraying his memory and spirit.
“As we mark 20 years since his passing, I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate the life and times of Comrade Chima Ubani, a martyr of the masses. May his soul continue to rest peacefully in God’s bosom,” Otti concluded.
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