–Demands Respect For Free Speech
Olu Owerri, the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of Owerri Zone, has issued a strong warning to the Imo State Government over what it described as sustained media attacks, blackmail, threats, and intimidation targeted at Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, President of the Mazi Organisation (TMO) and an illustrious son of Owerri Zone.
Rising from an extraordinary emergency meeting in Owerri on Wednesday, the group said the harassment stems from Dr. Amadi’s recent lecture at the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) annual conference at the Odenigbo Centre, Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, where he lamented poor governance in the state and urged citizens to hold government accountable for its stewardship.
In a statement signed by its President General, Chief Barr. Martin Opara, Olu Owerri said Dr. Amadi, “an astute administrator and humanitarian,” merely exercised his constitutional right to free speech, a right inherent in every democracy.
The organisation accused the state government of attempting to “freeze free speech and muzzle voices of reason” that interrogate widespread reports of malfeasance, incompetence, insecurity, and infrastructure decay in the state.
Olu Owerri dismissed allegations of wrongdoing against Dr. Amadi, stressing that he had not breached any provision of the Nigerian constitution or any valid law. “If otherwise proven, we will be the first to draw his attention to such infraction,” the statement added.
The group expressed alarm over the government’s reported invocation of the defunct sedition law, describing it as “ill-advised” and “dangerous,” and warning that it raised legitimate fears about Dr. Amadi’s safety. “Nothing must happen to Dr. Amadi. Any such attempt will be seen as a direct attack on the people of Owerri Zone and on all well-meaning Imolites who believe in democracy and human rights,” the statement read.
Rather than threaten Dr. Amadi, the group said the Hope Uzodinma administration should commend his “outstanding record of humanitarian service, philanthropy, empowerment initiatives, and other interventions which have touched thousands of lives, alleviated poverty, and improved living conditions across the state.”
Olu Owerri declared full support for Dr. Amadi’s stance and that of other patriots who speak truth to power in a bid to hold the government accountable.
The group urged Governor Uzodinma to show tolerance for dissent, listen to constructive criticism, and provide answers when probed by citizens.
“As custodians of the collective interest of Owerri Zone, we will continue to champion the cause of our people and work for a peaceful, united, and progressive state as envisioned by our founding fathers,” the statement concluded.
