By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the inflammatory remarks made by the former Governor of Rivers State and ex – Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, against President Bola Tinubu.
Amaechi’s comments, which included calls for “brutal force” to wrest power from Tinubu in 2027 and depiction of politicians as people willing to “steal, maim and kill to retain power,”;were considered as incendiary, alarming and divisive by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In a statement issued by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in Kaduna on Saturday, Ohanaeze Ndigbo flayed Amaechi, saying his unguarded remarks are a threat to democracy, peace, and civility.
Isiguzoro, also distanced Ohanaeze Ndigbo from Amaechi’s reckless utterances, declaring that the Igbo people would never support any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an elected President.
He said, “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 contravenes 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.
“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.”
The Igbo apex body also threw its weight behind the position of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who urged Amaechi to desist from further inciting Nigerians against Tinubu and his administration.
It restated its unflinching allegiance to President Tinubu and commitment to fostering peace, stability, and fruitful governance in Nigeria.
“We unequivocally lend our support to the position articulated by the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
“We echo his urgent call for Mr. Amaechi to retract his divisive statements and cease from further inciting the populace, lest he face the inevitable repercussions of his actions.
“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 concluded.
…Niger Delta Youth Congress Condemns Amaechi’s Call For Violence
Similarly, the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) condemned the inciting comments of Rotimi Amaechi against President Bola Tinubu.
The group stated that his call for Nigerians to employ “brutal force” to seize power from Tinubu by 2027 is not only a brazen attack on democracy but a direct incitement to violence that will not be condoned.
The group in statement by its National Coordinator, Israel Uwejeyan noted that it will resist any attempt by Amaechi or any other politician to drag Nigeria into chaos through reckless utterances designed to incite anarchy.
“His statement that politicians must be willing to ‘steal, maim, and kill’ to remain in power is the height of irresponsibility and exposes the kind of dangerous mindset he harbors.
“It is evident that Amaechi, having been sidelined and rendered politically irrelevant, is now resorting to desperate and treasonous rhetoric in an attempt to stoke violence. We will not stand by and watch him or anyone else set our country ablaze for their selfish political ambitions.
“We challenge him to tell Nigerians what he did for Rivers State in his eight years as Governor beyond empty propaganda and political turmoil. His tenure was riddled with mismanagement, abandoned projects, and political instability, leaving Rivers people worse off. The infamous Port Harcourt Monorail project, which he squandered billions of naira on, remains a monument to his failure and wasteful leadership.
“The NDYC categorically states that we will not allow Rivers State or the Niger Delta to be used as a battleground for Amaechi’s reckless ambitions,” he said.
The group urged the security agencies to immediately investigate and, if necessary, prosecute Amaechi for his dangerous and inciting statements.
It noted that no individual, regardless of their past or present status, is above the law, adding that the peace and stability of Nigeria must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.
“Furthermore, we warn Amaechi and his ilk that any attempt to destabilize our democracy will be met with stiff resistance. The Niger Delta people will not be used as pawns in his dangerous game. We remain committed to peace, democracy, and national unity, and we will not allow any failed politician to jeopardize the progress of our great nation.
“Nigeria has moved forward, and we will not be dragged backward by those who thrive on chaos and disorder. The Niger Delta Youth Congress stands ready to defend our democracy against any threat, no matter where it comes from.”
