A group of lawyers in Imo State has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to stop making public attacks and comments about Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy made the demand on Friday at a press conference, expressing concern over what it described as increasingly personal exchanges between the two politicians.
The group linked the tension to the rejection by the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum of Wike’s proposed “Rainbow Coalition.” The lawyers said the forum viewed the arrangement as capable of weakening the party or fostering divided loyalty.
Ifeoma Chukwunyere, speaking for the group, said Wike should have addressed his grievances to the governors’ forum rather than targeting Uzodimma personally.
“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.
The lawyers acknowledged the constitutional right of Nigerians, including public officials, to express political opinions and criticise policies. They insisted, however, that this right does not justify personal attacks, intimidation or the escalation of political disagreements.
They described Uzodimma as the constitutionally elected governor of Imo State and said any differences with the FCT minister should be handled through democratic engagement, political dialogue and the rule of law. The group called on Wike to desist from further public comments about the governor, arguing that disagreements should centre on policies, programmes and verifiable facts rather than personal exchanges.
Warning against inflammatory rhetoric that could create tension in the state, the lawyers stated that Imo is “not a battlefield for political supremacy.” Residents, they said, have the right to choose their leaders without undue interference or external pressure.
The group declared its support for Uzodimma and the mandate given to him by the people of Imo State. “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,” it said.
It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, as the appointing authority of the FCT minister, to encourage restraint. In a direct message to Wike, the lawyers said: “Mr. Minister, Imo State belongs to its people. You are not from Imo so stay off Imo.”
They urged Uzodimma to ignore the minister’s comments and continue operating within the Constitution and Nigerian laws, leaving legitimate disagreements to political and legal institutions. The group reiterated that it would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any actor, insisting that democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law must prevail.
The Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy said it would continue monitoring issues of constitutional governance, democratic participation and peace in the state, and called on political parties, leaders, supporters and the media to avoid language capable of inflaming tensions.
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
