Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and former minister of transportation, recently made what the Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, described as frightening and inflammatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu.
“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 wrest power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by 2027 starkly contravene the principles of civility, democracy, and peace that we hold dear,” Ohanaeze said in a statement released by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
“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.”
Such pernicious rhetoric, according to Ohanaeze, is an insult to the intelligence, integrity, and sensibilities of all Nigerians and has the potential to spark an uncontrollable wave of violence that could sweep our country into chaos by inciting unrest and inspiring young people to commit violent acts.
“Considering this heinous misbehavior, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who is frequently prone to ignore unfounded claims, recognizes that the seriousness of Amaechi’s remarks demands a firm and public condemnation, particularly since he is an Igbo man from the Ikwerre-speaking region of Rivers State.”
In light of his previous run against President Tinubu in the 2023 APC primary, where he was soundly defeated, it is critical that we, as Igbo leaders, categorically disassociate ourselves from divisive and inflammatory language that might erroneously imply Ndigbo support for such inflammatory views.
We vehemently denounce Chibuike Amaechi’s careless and inflammatory remarks directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Ndigbo will never support any political plot to undermine the legitimacy of an elected president, it is imperative to state unequivocally.
Additionally, we wholeheartedly endorse the stance taken by H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawelle, Minister of State for Defense. We support his urgent demand that Mr. Amaechi stop further agitating the public and take back his divisive remarks, lest he suffer the unavoidable consequences of his conduct.
No one is above the rule of law in our country, regardless of their position or rank. In the statement, Isiguzoro added that it is obvious that the opposition political elite coalition does not currently have the unity and power necessary to effectively confront President Tinubu in 2027.
Under these circumstances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically declares its intention to organize and inspire the Igbo people living in the nineteen Northern States to solidly support Dr. Bello Matawelle.
We will work together to make sure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins a landslide victory in the upcoming elections and stays in power.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, must remain vigilant against any attempts to incite disorder,” the statement reads to opposition leaders who relish hopes of gaining power through instability.
In addition to demanding that those found guilty of such treasonous acts face harsh punishments regardless of their political connections or influence, the Igbo apex group called for strong measures to monitor and stop any individual or group trying to weaponize discontent and incite violence among our youth.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is once again the object of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s steadfast loyalty. We make it very clear that the Igbo people will not back any opposition leader alliance that plans to overthrow the current president.
Our commitment to promoting peace, stability, and effective governance in Nigeria is unwavering. It might be argued that the goals of the Igbo people are in line with a future built on respect for democratic procedures, legitimate leadership, and a common vision for a thriving Nigeria, the statement continued.