Ohanaeze Condemns Amaechi’s Incendiary Remarks, Affirms Support for Tinubu
The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned recent remarks by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transport, urging Nigerians to use “brutal force” to seize power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by 2027.
In a statement released by Ohanaeze’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization described Amaechi’s comments as “outrageous” and “incendiary,” warning that such rhetoric threatened the peace and unity of Nigeria. According to Isiguzoro, Amaechi’s call for politicians to be ready to “steal, maim, and kill” in order to retain power “diminishes the dignity of our political discourse” and risks plunging the nation into chaos.
Ohanaeze pointed out that Amaechi’s comments were not only reckless but also posed a serious threat to societal cohesion, especially as they could encourage violent actions among the youth. The organization stressed that such language undermines the principles of democracy and civility that Nigerians hold dear.
“While we generally avoid responding to baseless declarations, the gravity of Amaechi’s statements requires a firm public denunciation, particularly as he is an Igbo man from the Ikwerre-speaking area of Rivers State,” Isiguzoro remarked. “As Igbo leaders, we must make it clear that we do not condone such divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.”
Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the Igbo community would never support any political conspiracy aimed at destabilizing an elected government. The group condemned Amaechi’s remarks and echoed the call made by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, urging the former minister to retract his statements and cease inciting the populace.
The group also warned opposition leaders attempting to incite disorder and violence, calling on the federal government to be vigilant and take appropriate action against those found guilty of treasonous activities.
In a final message, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its unwavering allegiance to President Tinubu and declared its intention to mobilize the Igbo population in the Northern States to support his administration. The organization expressed its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and effective governance for a prosperous Nigeria.
“Let it be known that the aspirations of the Igbo people align with legitimate leadership, respect for democratic processes, and a vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
