The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has slammed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent denial of Igbo identity, describing his remarks as “shameless and treacherous.”
Amaechi, who had previously declared himself an Igbo man during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Aba, Abia State in 2015, said at the time: “I am a bonafide Igbo man. My name is Amaechi, but President Jonathan, who says his name is Azikiwe, cannot speak the Igbo language.”
However, speaking in a recent interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, the former Rivers State governor distanced himself from the Igbo identity, stating that he is Ikwerre and only aligned himself with the Igbo cause at the time to draw attention to the marginalisation of the South-East.
Reacting to the comments, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said the group was deeply disappointed by Amaechi’s volte-face.
“It is regrettable that someone who claims to advocate for Nigerians and the common man could publicly display such duplicity,” Okwu said in a statement on Friday.
“We were shocked to our bones watching Rotimi Amaechi contradict himself so blatantly on national television. This is the same man who, in 2015, claimed Jonathan was not Igbo enough just to curry favour and votes from the South-East for the APC.
“Fast forward to 2025, the same man now says he lied. This clearly reveals the depth of political desperation he is willing to sink to.”
Okwu accused Amaechi of lacking character and being willing to say anything to serve his political interests.
“How does one explain that a man who publicly identified as Igbo ten years ago now shamelessly denies it, claiming it was all for political gain? This shows he belongs to a class of politicians who see politics as a game without principles,” he added.
The youth leader warned political stakeholders, especially those in the South-East, to be cautious of Amaechi as the 2027 elections approach.
“We particularly call on Mr. Peter Obi to distance himself from Amaechi. Associating with a man who mocks the Igbo identity sends the wrong message.
“This is the same man whom Nyesom Wike once described as lacking capacity – and now we understand why. How can someone who operates with such deceit be trusted with leadership?
“Ndigbo are no longer interested in leaders who manipulate their identity for convenience. We know our own and we reject imposters,” Okwu declared.
He also cautioned Amaechi against taking the South-East for granted.
“We are waiting for him in 2027. If he dares to come to the South-East again to seek support, he will be confronted with the consequences of his words. We’ve had enough of this political dishonesty and say: never again.”
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
