2027: Nigerian Youths Caution Nwifuru Over ‘Consume,’ ‘Destroy’ Threats to PDP in Ebonyi
The Nigerian Youth Organisation (NYO) and coalition of youth groups in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as secirity agencies to call the givernor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Francis Ogbona Nwifuru to other over what they called inflamatory statements the governor made against political opponents in the state.
Addressing a world press conference at the Barcelona Hotel, Abuja on Monday, Comrade Nasir Doka, the Deputy National President of the NYO called on security agencies to call Mr/ Nwifuru to order as his unguarded “inflammatory rhetoric” against the opposition political actors, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast state portends danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
Doka cautioned that public office holders must recognise the influence of their words and the responsibility that comes with leadership.
According to Comrade Doka, the “ widely circulated in the public domain, has generated concern among many Nigerians, particularly young people, who view such language as capable of being interpreted as threatening, intimidating, or inconsistent with the spirit of democratic engagement.
“The Nigeria Youth Organization considers it necessary to draw national attention to the gravity of such rhetoric when it emanates from the office of a sitting governor.
The NYO stated that it “firmly believes that democracy is sustained by tolerance, dissent, criticism, and competition of ideas. No democracy can flourish where citizens become afraid to express political opinions. No democracy can thrive where opposition voices fear intimidation. No democracy can mature where criticism of government is perceived as hostility”
Warning that unguarded utterances, such attributed to Governor Nwifuru was an affront on the democratic and constitutional
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of association, and political participation.
“These rights are not privileges granted by government officials. They are constitutional rights belonging to every Nigerian citizen.
“Therefore, any statement capable of creating the impression that critics or political opponents may face consequences beyond the democratic processes deserves serious public scrutiny.
The NYO, therefore, called on stakeholders in the democratic process to be more vigilant in guarding against any actions that may pose danger to Nigeria’s democracy and Nigeria’s corporate existence.
They said:
“We urge the Governor to publicly reaffirm his commitment to political tolerance, freedom of expression, and the constitutional rights of all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.
“We call upon relevant security institutions to remain vigilant and ensure that no individual or group interprets political rhetoric as a licence for intimidation, harassment, or violence.
“We urge all political parties and public office holders across Nigeria to embrace responsible communication and avoid statements capable of escalating political tensions.
“To the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the youth population, we urge calm, restraint, and unwavering commitment to peace.”