Ohanaeze faction condemns Amaechi’s call for ‘brutal force’ against Tinubu’s administration
The Jackson Omenazu-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has condemned the remarks made by Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transport, against the President Bola Tinubu administration.
On January 30, Amaechi said Tinubu and other members of the political class would not cede power to the younger generation without a fight.
He canvassed for the need for political vigilance, warning that power must be fought for, while urging Nigerians to always safeguard their votes if they intend to achieve a semblance of credible leadership.
“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” the ex-minister had said.
In a response on Saturday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president-general of the faction, denounced Amaechi’s statements as a threat to democracy, peace, and civility.
Isiguzoro said the group distances itself from Amaechi’s statements, adding that the Igbo people would never endorse any political conspiracy to undermine the legitimacy of an elected president.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The group also backed the call of Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, who had 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,” the group said.
“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.
“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.”
