The apex socio-cultural body of the Owerri Zone, Olu Owerri, has accused the Imo State Government of launching a deliberate campaign to “freeze free speech” and intimidate critics, following sustained attacks against Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, President of The Mazi Organisation.
Rising from an extraordinary emergency meeting in Owerri on Wednesday, the group said it was “deeply concerned and utterly dismayed” by what it described as blackmail, threats, and official intimidation directed at Dr. Amadi after his recent public lecture.
The controversy stems from Dr. Amadi’s address at the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) annual conference, held at the Odenigbo Centre, Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, where he called on citizens to hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency in governance.
“Olu Owerri strongly condemns the Imo State Government’s attempts to freeze free speech and muzzle voices of reason who interrogate widespread reports of malfeasance, incompetence, worsening insecurity, and the alarming state of infrastructure decay in our dear state,” the statement signed by its President, Chief (Barr.) Martin Opara, read.
The organisation maintained that Dr. Amadi had broken no law to warrant such harassment. “If otherwise proven, Olu Owerri, an unbiased societal watchdog, will be the first to draw his attention to such infraction,” it added.
The group expressed outrage over the government’s “ill-advised invocation” of the long-defunct sedition law — a relic of military dictatorship struck down decades ago by Nigerian courts — saying it “exposes an extreme and dangerous plot” and heightens fears for Dr. Amadi’s personal safety.
“We therefore warn, in the strongest terms, that nothing must happen to Dr. Amadi. Any harm or attempt on him will be seen as a direct attack on the people of Owerri Zone and on all well-meaning Imolites who believe in democracy and the sanctity of human rights,” the statement declared.
Olu Owerri argued that rather than targeting Dr. Amadi, the government should commend his decades-long humanitarian service, philanthropy, empowerment projects, and interventions that have impacted thousands of lives and alleviated poverty across Imo State.
The group announced its total support for Dr. Amadi’s “courageous position” and pledged solidarity with “all patriots who speak truth to power in the interest of good governance.”
It reminded the state government that democratic leadership demands tolerance for dissent, humility to listen, and the courage to provide truthful answers when questioned by citizens.
“As custodians of the collective interest of Owerri Zone, we will continue to stand firm in defence of free speech, justice, and the rights of our people to demand better governance,” Olu Owerri vowed.
