Nigeria’s leading Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned recent comments made by former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, against President Bola Tinubu. The group described Amaechi’s remarks—calling for the use of “brutal force” to seize power in 2027—as reckless and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, distanced the Igbo people from Amaechi’s words and warned against any political moves that could threaten peace and stability in the country.
Reacting to Amaechi’s call for aggressive tactics to take power in 2027, Isiguzoro stated that such language undermines democratic principles and promotes violence.
“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,” Isiguzoro said.
He also condemned Amaechi’s statement that politicians must be ready to “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible remark that could fuel political violence.
“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,” Isiguzoro added.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo made it clear that the Igbo people will not support any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s government.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reckless and incendiary comments made by Chibuike Amaechi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Isiguzoro stated. “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 group also stressed the importance of upholding democracy and maintaining a peaceful political environment in Nigeria.
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Ohanaeze Ndigbo also aligned itself with the stance of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who criticized Amaechi for his inflammatory remarks.
“We unequivocally lend our support to the position articulated by the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle,” Isiguzoro said.
He urged Amaechi to withdraw his statements and avoid inciting the public.
“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,” he warned.
Despite the political tensions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu and its commitment to fostering unity in the country. The group emphasized that the Igbo people believe in legitimate leadership and democratic governance.
“Our resolve is steadfast, as we remain committed to fostering peace, stability, and fruitful governance in Nigeria,” the statement read. “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.”