NEWS  

Stop Hounding Political Opponents, VIN Tells Amaechi

Vanguard of Ikwerre Nation (VIN) has warned Governor Amaechi to desist from his desperate moves to limit the political space to himself by hunting his political opponents.

Reacting to the closure of Dr Abiye Sekibo's campaign office at GRA by people suspected to be Amaechi's agents, VIN in a statement signed by its chairman, Elder T. O. Amadi said the action amounted to reckless abuse of power by the governor and requested him to re-open the office with immediate effect.     

In a democratic setting, VIN said no one individual, no matter the position he holds or the power he wields could lord it over any citizen in the manner Amaechi's agents had done, adding that by beating the staff and closing the campaign office, they had shown that they are above the law and should therefore be punished.

“Amaechi who has been laying claims to spurious achievements should allow his so called achievements speak for him in the April elections instead of becoming frightened by a formidable political opponent and attempting to muzzle him to pave way for himself, VIN said.

The group said if Amaechi's aim in allegedly ordering the closure of the campaign office was to send signal that he could deal ruthlessly with those opposing his governorship bid, VIN said he had misfired, stressing that the governor should understand that Dr Abiye Sekibo is a political juggernaut who could take care of any situation, including attempts to dim his political ambition.

“Your action instead of putting fear in him will rather embolden him to move on and clinch the governorship”, the group said

“Before Dr Sekibo decided to plunge into politics to contest for governorship in the state, we are sure he made a deep calculation and noted the hazards inherent in Nigerian politics. Who told Amaechi that chasing him about and closing his campaign office will put fear into him and make him to withdraw?” VIN asked.