By Woke Joshua
Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to end his continued public attacks on the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
The group made the appeal on Friday during a press conference on the ongoing public exchanges between the two political figures.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Barrister Ifeoma Chukwunyere, the lawyers expressed concern over what they described as increasingly personal exchanges between Wike and Uzodinma.
They urged both politicians to resolve their differences through democratic dialogue, political engagement and respect for the rule of law.
The group said the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum had rejected the political arrangement described as the Rainbow Coalition, adding that the disagreement should not be allowed to degenerate into personal attacks against the Imo governor.
According to the statement, the forum opposed the arrangement because of concerns that it could weaken the party or create divided loyalty.
“We recognise the constitutional right of every Nigerian, including public officials and political actors, to express political opinions, criticise policies and participate in political activities. However, that freedom must not become a licence for personal attacks, intimidation or unnecessary escalation,” the lawyers said.
They described Uzodinma as the constitutionally elected governor of Imo State, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to create tension capable of affecting the peace and stability of the state.
The group urged Wike to refrain from further public comments about Uzodinma and focus political engagements on policies, programmes, political positions and verifiable facts.
It also reminded political leaders that the people of Imo State had the constitutional right to choose their leaders and determine their political future without undue interference, intimidation or external pressure.
The lawyers rejected what they described as attempts 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,” the statement said.
The group, however, called on Uzodinma to continue to act within the Constitution and the laws of Nigeria, while allowing appropriate political and legal institutions to address legitimate disagreements.
It further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President and appointing authority of the FCT minister, to encourage restraint among political actors.
The lawyers said the exchanges had become too personal and urged the Imo governor to ignore what they described as Wike’s alleged rantings.
Addressing the FCT minister, the lawyers said: “Mr. Minister, Imo State belongs to its people. You are not from Imo so stay off Imo.”
They urged Wike to allow the people of Imo State to determine their political affairs through constitutional and democratic processes.
The group also stated that it would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any political actor.
“Our position is simple: Democracy must prevail. The Constitution must prevail. The rule of law must prevail,” the lawyers said.
The organisation pledged to continue monitoring developments affecting constitutional governance, democratic participation, political freedom and the peace of Imo State.
It said it would employ every lawful and constitutional means available to defend the democratic rights of the people.
The lawyers also called on 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 statement said.