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 personal attacks on Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, over the proposed Rainbow Coalition.
The group made the demand on Wednesday during a press conference addressed by its secretary, Ifeoma Chukwunyere, who said Wike should direct his disagreement over the political arrangement to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum rather than single out Uzodinma.
Chukwunyere said the APC Governors’ Forum had rejected what the group described as the proposed Rainbow Coalition, which it alleged could weaken the ruling party and create divided loyalty among its members.
She accused Wike of turning his criticism against Uzodinma, who is also Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, following the reported rejection of the coalition.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The lawyers said political disagreements should be addressed through democratic engagement, dialogue and constitutional processes rather than personal exchanges.
Chukwunyere said Uzodinma was the constitutionally elected governor of Imo State and urged political actors to avoid conduct that could heighten political tension in the 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.
The group further urged Wike to refrain from making what it described as further personal comments against the governor, insisting that political disagreements should centre on issues, policies and verifiable facts.
It also maintained that the people of Imo State should determine the state’s political future 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,” Chukwunyere said.
In a direct message to Wike, the group declared: “Mr. Minister, Imo State belongs to its people. You are not from Imo so stay off Imo.”
The lawyers also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the appointing authority of the FCT Minister, to encourage restraint among political actors.
While defending Uzodinma, the group urged the governor to continue to operate within the Constitution and allow political and legal institutions to resolve any legitimate disagreements.
Chukwunyere said the group would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any political actor, adding that disputes over political strategies, alliances and elections should be settled through democratic debate and constitutional processes.
“Our position is simple: Democracy must prevail. The Constitution must prevail. The rule of law must prevail,” she said.
The group also appealed to political leaders, their supporters and media organisations to avoid statements capable of inflaming political tensions.
