By Anayo Okoli
ENUGU — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Leader in Ebonyi State, Engr. Kalu Francis Okechukwu, has condemned remarks attributed to Governor Francis Nwifuru, describing them as a threat to democratic principles.
Nwifuru had, in a viral video, charged newly inaugurated local government chairmen not to allow opposition parties to win in their respective areas, warning that any chairman who failed to comply would be removed.
The governor was also heard directing the chairmen to “deal with the opposition mercilessly.”
The remarks have continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders and other Nigerians.
Reacting, Okechukwu described the governor’s comments as “a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democratic foundations and a clear sign of political desperation.”
According to him, the remarks were “not only undemocratic but amounted to a mockery of the constitutional order that underpins Nigeria’s democracy.”
“The governor’s statement is a direct threat to the multiparty system guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It signals an intention to turn local government councils into instruments of political intimidation rather than institutions of service,” he said.
Okechukwu added that threats, thuggery and the use of force should not be employed as tools for securing political support.
“Threats, thuggery and the use of force are not the language of a leader seeking a second term on the basis of performance.
“They are the tools of those who have failed to deliver and now seek to coerce the people,” he said.
The PDP chieftain said that after more than three years in office, the Nwifuru administration should be presenting its record of achievements to the people rather than, as he alleged, resorting to methods aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.
“The best and only legitimate approach to seeking a second tenure is to account for stewardship before the electorate. Anything short of that is an admission of failure,” he said.
Okechukwu maintained that members of the PDP and residents of Ebonyi State would not be intimidated into abandoning their constitutional rights.
“Walking the path of the Constitution is not weakness; it is strength. We will not be intimidated into silence or forced into submission.
“Our commitment is to the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the fundamental rights of every citizen to associate, campaign and vote according to their conscience,” he said.
He urged PDP youths across the 13 local government areas of the state to remain law-abiding while resisting any attempt to prevent them from exercising their political rights.
“We urge our members to resist every attempt to suppress legitimate political activity.
“Violence is not an option, but neither is surrender. We will defend our democratic space within the bounds of the law,” he said.
Okechukwu also reminded the governor of the constitutional responsibilities attached to the office, saying the governor was expected to protect the rights of all citizens regardless of political affiliation, uphold the Constitution and promote peace and fairness in the state.
“A governor who threatens elected local government officials and directs them to crush the opposition has abandoned the moral and constitutional high ground required of that office.
“Leadership is not about instilling fear; it is about inspiring confidence through good governance,” he said.
He further warned against any attempt to use local government chairmen for political persecution, saying such moves would be challenged through lawful means.
Okechukwu also called on civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and the international community to pay attention to political developments in Ebonyi State and support efforts to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
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