•Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has responded to what it termed alarming and incendiary remarks recently made by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transport against President Bola Tinubu.
According to Ohanaeze in a statement issued by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, “in a discourse at an opposition leaders’ conference in Abuja, Amaechi’s outrageous call for Nigerians to resort to “brutal force” in an attempt to snatch power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by 2027 starkly contravene the principles of civility, democracy, and peace that we hold dear.
“Amaechi’s equally disconcerting assertion that politicians must be willing to ‘steal, maim, and kill’ to retain power not only diminishes the dignity of our political discourse but also poses a dire threat to the very fabric of our society”.
Ohanaeze averred that such insidious rhetoric serves to excite unrest and mobilize the youth toward violent actions that could plunge our beloved nation into chaos, adding that It is an affront to the intelligence, integrity, and sensibilities of all Nigerians, and threatens to incite an uncontrollable wave of violence that could engulf our nation.
“In light of this egregious misconduct, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, while often inclined to overlook baseless declarations, understands that the gravity of Amaechi’s statements warrants a definitive and public denunciation, especially as he identifies as an Igbo man from the Ikwerre-speaking area of Rivers State.
“Given his past candidacy against President Tinubu in the 2023 APC primaries—an electoral contest in which he was decisively bested—it is paramount that we as Igbo leaders unequivocally distance ourselves from incendiary and divisive rhetoric that could mistakenly suggest support from Ndigbo for such inflammatory sentiments.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reckless and incendiary comments made by Chibuike Amaechi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is essential to declare firmly that the Ndigbo will never endorse any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an elected President.
“Furthermore, we unequivocally lend our support to the position articulated by the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawelle. We echo his urgent call for Mr. Amaechi to retract his divisive statements and cease further inciting the populace, lest he face the inevitable repercussions of his actions. No individual, regardless of their status or former office, is above the rule of law in our nation”.
Isiguzoro in the statement also posted that it is abundantly clear that the coalition of opposition political elites currently lacks the cohesion and strength required to mount an effective challenge against President Tinubu in 2027.
“In this context, Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally announces its intent to mobilize and galvanize the Igbo population residing in the nineteen Northern States to stand firmly alongside Dr. Bello Matawelle. Together, we shall ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not only maintains his office but secures a resounding victory in the forthcoming elections.
“To the opposition politicians who delight in fantasies of seizing power through chaos, let it be known that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, must remain vigilant against any attempts to incite disorder”.
The Igbo apex group called for robust measures to monitor and thwart any individual or group attempting to weaponize discontent and mobilize violence among our youth and that those found guilty of such treasonous actions must face severe penalties, irrespective of their political connections or influence.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates its unwavering allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We clearly state that there shall be no support from the Igbo for any coalition of opposition leaders plotting against the sitting President.
“Our resolve is steadfast, as we remain committed to fostering peace, stability, and fruitful governance in Nigeria. Let it be said that the aspirations of the Igbo people align with a future predicated upon legitimate leadership, respect for democratic processes, and a shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria” the statement added.
