A group, Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy, has called for restraint in the escalating public exchanges between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
The group made the call at press conference addressed by its Secretary, Ifeoma Chukwunyere, Esq, expressing concern over the increasing personal exchanges between the two politicians.
The lawyers said the dispute followed the rejection of the proposed Rainbow Coalition by the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum, adding that disagreements over the political arrangement should be addressed with the forum rather than through personal attacks on Uzodinma.
‘If he has any axe to grind, it should be with the APC Governors Forum and not Governor Uzodinma,’ the group said.
The group acknowledged the right of political actors to express opinions, criticise policies and participate in political activities but warned that such freedoms should not become a licence for personal attacks, intimidation or unnecessary escalation.
It said Uzodinma, as the constitutionally elected governor of Imo State, should have political disagreements with Wike addressed through democratic engagement, dialogue and the rule of law.
The lawyers urged Wike to desist from further public comments concerning Uzodinma, saying political disagreements should focus on policies, programmes, political positions and verifiable facts rather than personal exchanges.
They also warned against attempts to create political tension in Imo State, stressing that the people should be allowed to determine their political future through constitutional and democratic processes.
The group urged Uzodinma to continue to act within the Constitution and laws of the country while allowing appropriate political and legal institutions to resolve legitimate disagreements.
It also called on President Bola Tinubu to encourage restraint among political actors, saying the exchanges between Wike and Uzodinma should not be allowed to affect peace and stability in Imo State.
Addressing Wike, the group said, ‘Imo State belongs to its people. You are not from Imo, so stay off Imo.’
The lawyers said they would oppose political intimidation, violence and threats against political actors and continue to monitor developments affecting constitutional governance, democratic participation and political freedom in the state.
They also appealed to political parties, leaders, supporters and media platforms to avoid language capable of inflaming tensions or provoking confrontation.
‘Imo State deserves peace. Nigeria deserves responsible political leadership. Political disagreements are normal in a democracy, but personal hostility must not undermine democratic institutions or endanger public peace,’ the group said.