By Newsmata
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation has upbraided former Rivers State governor, and ex-minister of transport, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi over his perceived incendiary remarks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement on Saturday by Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in Kaduna described Amaechi’s comment as “reckless and incendiary” and a threat to democracy, peace, and civility.
Condemning Amaechi’s remarks, including calls for “brutal force” to snatch power from President Tinubu in 2027, Ohanaeze Ndigbo considered them alarming and divisive. It therefore supported the position of the Minister of State for Defence, and former governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who cautioned Amaechi to cease inciting the populace or face the consequences.
Isiguzoro said Ohanaeze Ndigbo would never endorse any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an elected president.
According to him, “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.”
Endorsing Matawalle’s stance, Isiguzoro said “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”.
Reiterating its unwavering allegiance to President Tinubu, Ohanaeze Ndiigbo emphasised that “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”.