The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned the incendiary remarks made by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transport, against President Bola Tinubu.
Amaechi’s comments, which included calls for “brutal force” to snatch power from President Tinubu in 2027, were deemed alarming and divisive by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In a statement issued by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in Kaduna on Saturday, Ohanaeze Ndigbo denounced Amaechi’s rhetoric as a threat to democracy, peace, and civility.
Isiguzoro, also distanced Ohanaeze Ndigbo from Amaechi’s statements, emphasizing that the Igbo people would never endorse 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.”
Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo backed the stance of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, who called for Amaechi to cease inciting the populace.
“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,” Isiguzoro said.
In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterated its unwavering allegiance to President Tinubu and commitment to fostering peace, stability, and fruitful governance in Nigeria.
“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 said.
