The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has sharply criticised Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and former minister of transport, for making derogatory remarks about President Bola Tinubu.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo found Amaechi’s views, which included calls for “brutal force” to remove Tinubu from power in 2027, unsettling and divisive.
In a statement published in Kaduna on Saturday by Deputy President General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemned Amaechi’s remarks as a threat to democracy, peace, and civility.
Isiguzoro also distanced Ohanaeze Ndigbo from Amaechi’s words, emphasising that the Igbo people would never support a political conspiracy to undermine 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.”
Also, Ohanaeze Ndigbo backed the stance of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who urged 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.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterated its continuous support for President Tinubu and commitment to promoting peace, stability, and fruitful administration 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 concluded.
