The Ndigbo Young Professionals has dismissed allegations by self-acclaimed human rights activist, Francis Nwapa, who accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of weaponising insecurity in Nigeria and persecuting pro-democracy activists.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Amb. Chinonso Chukwuemeka, the group described Nwapa’s comments as “false, mischievous, and deliberately aimed at misleading Nigerians and inciting disaffection against constituted authorities.”
The statement further clarified that Omoyele Sowore, leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), should not be mistaken for a pro-democracy activist.
According to the group, Sowore has consistently used his platform, Sahara Reporters, as well as his social media accounts, to spread falsehoods, make reckless allegations, and peddle defamatory claims against individuals and government institutions.
On Nwapa’s accusation of double standards by security agencies, the Ndigbo Young Professionals stressed that neither the Department of State Services (DSS) nor the Nigeria Police Force has acted outside the law.
“It is a blatant lie to suggest that the Police are ignoring those terrorising Nigerians while targeting Sowore. What is at play is simply the enforcement of the law against false information,” the group stated.
The group also faulted Nwapa’s attacks on the DSS and Police, insisting he lacked the moral standing to question their competence. “His utterances only expose him as a mouthpiece acting out the script of his paymaster, Omoyele Sowore,” the statement read.
The Ndigbo Young Professionals cautioned that Nwapa had no authority to brand political leaders as “criminals” or accuse them of plotting to destroy the country. It described such remarks as reckless, destabilising, and unacceptable.
In conclusion, the group advised Sowore to concentrate on addressing his pending court cases rather than “sponsoring faceless groups and individuals like Francis Nwapa to defend indefensible publications.”
