A group, Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to stop what it described as persistent public attacks on Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
Secretary of Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy, Ifeoma Chukwunyere, made the call during a press conference held on Wednesday, expressing concern over the growing public exchanges between Wike and Uzodinma, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
Chukwunyere said the disagreement followed the reported rejection of the proposed Rainbow Coalition by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to her, rather than engage with the APC Governors’ Forum over its decision, Wike had allegedly turned his criticism toward Governor Uzodinma.
“The APC Governors’ Forum in their wisdom had rejected the fraudulent Rainbow Coalition as projected by Minister Wike. Rather than show cause or plead for the APC Governors Forum to accept his Rainbow Coalition, he has chosen to personally attack Governor Uzodinma. This is bad, treacherous and mischievous. If he has any axe to grind, it should be with the APC Governors Forum and not Governor Uzodinma,” she said.
The lawyer added that the forum rejected the political arrangement because it believed it could weaken the APC and create divided loyalty within the ruling party.
While recognising the constitutional right of every Nigerian to express political opinions, she said such freedom should not be used for personal attacks or actions capable of escalating political tensions.
“Governor Uzodinma is the constitutionally elected Governor of Imo State. Whatever disagreements exist between him and the FCT Minister should be addressed through democratic engagement, political dialogue and the rule of law. Such disagreements must not create tension capable of affecting the peace and stability of Imo State,” she said.
Chukwunyere urged Wike to stop making further public comments about the governor, insisting that political disagreements should focus on issues, policies and verifiable facts rather than personal exchanges.
She also maintained that Imo people alone should determine the political future of their state without external interference or intimidation.
“We reject attempts by any individual or political group to create political tension through inflammatory exchanges. We will defend Governor Hope Uzodinma, the mandate given to him by Ndi-Imo and the constitutional rights of Imo people, regardless of political affiliation,” the lawyer stated.
The group spokesperson further appealed to Governor Uzodinma to continue operating within the Constitution and allow political and legal institutions to resolve any legitimate disagreements.
The lawyer also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the appointing authority of the FCT Minister, to encourage restraint.
“We personally feel that the attack by Wike on Governor Uzodinma is too personal,” the group said.
Addressing the minister directly, the lawyers declared: “Mr. Minister, Imo State belongs to its people. You are not from Imo so stay off Imo.”
She added that disagreements over political strategies, alliances and elections should be settled through democratic debate and constitutional processes rather than personal attacks.
She also said it would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any political actor.
“Our position is simple: Democracy must prevail. The Constitution must prevail. The rule of law must prevail,” it declared.
The lawyer urged political leaders, supporters and media organisations to avoid statements capable of inflaming political tensions.
“We appeal to Governor Uzodinma to ignore Minister Wike and his rantings.
“We stand for democracy.
“We stand for constitutional governance.
“We stand for the right of Imo people to determine their own political future.
“We shall continue to defend these principles through lawful, peaceful and constitutional means,” the statement added.