Stop Personal Attacks On Uzodinma, Imo Lawyers Tell Wike

A group of Imo lawyers under the aegis of Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy has urged Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to stop what it described as personal attacks and public comments against Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

The group, in a statement issued on Friday by its secretary, Ifeoma Chukwunyere, said the ongoing exchanges involving Wike, Uzodinma and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum should not be allowed to turn Imo State into a battleground for political supremacy.

The lawyers maintained that the people of Imo State had the constitutional right to choose their leaders and determine their political future without intimidation, undue interference or external pressure.

Chukwunyere urged Wike to desist from what the group described as personal exchanges with the governor, saying political disagreements should focus on policies, programmes, political positions and verifiable facts.

“We call on Minister Nyesom Wike to desist from further public comments concerning Governor Uzodinma,” she said.

The group also rejected what it described as attempts by individuals or political groups to create political tension through inflammatory exchanges.

“We reject attempts by any individual or political group to create political tension through inflammatory exchanges,” the statement said.

The lawyers said they would defend Uzodinma’s mandate and the constitutional rights of Imo people irrespective of political affiliation.

“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 group said.

However, the lawyers urged Uzodinma to continue to operate within the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while calling on relevant political and legal institutions to intervene in legitimate disagreements through lawful channels.

The group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, as President and appointing authority of the FCT minister, to encourage restraint among political actors.

Chukwunyere said the group considered Wike’s criticism of Uzodinma to have become personal.

“We personally feel that the attack by Wike on Governor Uzodinma is too personal,” she said.

Addressing the minister directly, the group said, “Mr. Minister, Imo State belongs to its people. You are not from Imo, so stay off Imo.”

It urged Wike to allow the people of Imo State to determine their political affairs through democratic and constitutional processes.

The lawyers said they would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any political actor, stressing that democracy and the rule of law must remain paramount.

“Our position is simple: Democracy must prevail. The Constitution must prevail. The rule of law must prevail,” the group said.

The group said it would continue to monitor developments affecting constitutional governance, democratic participation, political freedom and peace in Imo State, pledging to use lawful and constitutional means to defend the democratic rights of residents.

It also urged political parties, leaders, supporters and media platforms to avoid inflammatory language capable of provoking confrontation.

“Imo State deserves peace. Nigeria deserves responsible political leadership,” the group said.

“Political disagreements are normal in a democracy, but personal hostility must not undermine democratic institutions or endanger public peace.”