Political rivals of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers state and former Minister of Transportation, have been warned against causing harm to him.
A group under the aegis of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) issued the warning while reacting to the attack on Amaechi at his hometown, Ubima, on Friday.
The former governor was reportedly attacked by gunmen on his way to Ubima for his official membership registration into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Prior to the attack, the party’s office in the town was also reported to have been burnt down in the early hours of Friday by suspected political thugs allegedly loyal to his arch-rival , Nyesom Wike, the former governor of the state and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.(FCT).
In a statement signed by its Chancellor, Dr. Omenazu Jackson, the group called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
The statement cautioned against escalating political violence in Rivers state, pointing out that the brutal killing of Chief Adube and members of his family within this same period remains another painful reminder of the growing culture of violence in the state.
The statement read, “The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) expresses deep concern over the reported attack on Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in his hometown of Ubima.
“This disturbing incident goes beyond an assault on a political figure; it represents a grave threat to civility, democratic values, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
“Since 2014, when violent political actors brazenly introduced organized violence into the political landscape of Rivers State, the situation has progressively worsened.
“Unfortunately, the persistent failure to decisively confront these criminal elements has emboldened perpetrators to operate with alarming confidence and impunity.
“During the build-up to the governorship elections in the state, Nigerians witnessed the tragic loss of over ninety-two lives in politically related violence. Yet, to date, there has been little evidence of meaningful arrests or successful prosecution of those responsible. Many suspected perpetrators continue to walk freely within society without interrogation, thereby reinforcing a dangerous culture of impunity.
“ISSJHR therefore warns that no harm must befall Rotimi Amaechi or any other citizen in Rivers State. The protection of lives and property is not optional; it is a constitutional duty of the Nigerian state and its security institutions.
“The question Nigerians must ask is simple and urgent: How can a former governor of a state be prevented from freely accessing his hometown in a democratic society governed by law?
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly establishes the fundamental obligations of government and the rights of citizens:
“*Section 14(2)(b)* states unequivocally that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
“*Section 33(1)* guarantees the right to life of every Nigerian citizen.
“*Section 34(1)* guarantees the dignity of the human person.
“*Section 41(1)* guarantees the right to freedom of movement, allowing every citizen to move freely and reside in any part of Nigeria without intimidation or obstruction.
“When citizens are violently prevented from entering their communities, when killings go uninvestigated, and when intimidation becomes normalized in the political space, these constitutional guarantees are directly violated.
“Beyond the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 clearly criminalizes political violence and intimidation.
*“Section 92* of the Act prohibits the use of violence, threats, or intimidation during political activities and elections.
“Offenders are liable to criminal prosecution upon conviction.
“Similarly, the *Nigeria Police Act 2020* places a clear obligation on law enforcement agencies to prevent crime, protect lives and property, and enforce all laws without bias or political influence.
“Security agencies operating in Rivers State must therefore demonstrate to Nigerians that they are neither helpless nor unwilling to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for these acts and their sponsors.
“Today, political thuggery and violence appear to have become one of the most lucrative occupations for some misguided youths in the state. This unfortunate development has contributed to the quiet relocation of several corporate organizations from Rivers State due to the atmosphere of intimidation and violent disruption in both political and economic engagements.
“Disturbingly, violence now spares no one. Even a sitting governor has faced threats. School children have become victims. Citizens who express dissenting opinions are sometimes forced to flee the state or witness the destruction of their properties.
:If this dangerous pattern continues unchecked, Rivers State risks sliding into a condition where brute force replaces democratic governance and lawful order.
“If a former governor cannot safely visit his hometown, then the safety of every ordinary citizen is in serious doubt.
“This is unacceptable. This is coercion. This is a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand.
“Nigerians must collectively reject the normalization of political violence before it becomes irreversibly entrenched.
“Our nation must not be surrendered to vicious elements who thrive on intimidation and bloodshed in pursuit of political dominance. Such reckless behavior, if left unchecked, risks pushing society toward instability and violent upheaval.
“Enough is enough”.
