By Ayodele Oni
Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, is facing a serious backlash from his root, following the remarks he made concerning his late mother.
Flowing from it, Amaechi, a two- time governor of Rivers State may incur sanctions from the elders council of Ubima, his community, if he fails to make a retraction of the statement within 14 days.
The Ubima Elders Council expressed concern over public statements attributed to Amaechi, reportedly involving the memory of his late mother, calling on him to respect the customs and traditions of his community.
In a statement in Port Harcourt signed by Chief Amos Elechi on behalf of the council, the elders described the matter as one that extends beyond ordinary political disagreements, raising questions about respect for the departed, family heritage, indigenous values and the responsibilities of public figures.
The council acknowledged the right of every citizen to participate in political debates and express opinions on matters of public interest.
However, it maintained that political engagement should not undermine the dignity of deceased persons or disregard cultural traditions that form an important part of the identity of the Ubima people.
The elders explained that, within the cultural and traditional understanding of the Ubima community, the memory of the departed, particularly one’s mother, is treated with profound respect.
According to the council, deceased family members remain part of a family’s heritage, and their names should be treated with dignity rather than introduced carelessly into political disagreements.
The statement stressed that political differences, regardless of their intensity, should be addressed with restraint, maturity and respect for established cultural values.
It further maintained that no political ambition, public disagreement or partisan interest should take precedence over the responsibility to preserve the dignity of the departed and protect the community’s traditional heritage.
The council stated that where remarks are considered to have crossed established cultural boundaries, the appropriate response should begin with a careful examination of the facts, followed by a process consistent with the community’s customs and established procedures.
The council expressed concern that statements attributed to Amaechi, whom it described as a prominent son of Ubima, could generate controversy over the community’s cultural expectations and the proper treatment of deceased parents.
It noted that public officeholders and influential political figures have responsibilities that extend beyond their immediate political constituencies, adding that their words and conduct can affect the communities from which they originate.
According to the statement, such responsibilities become particularly important when issues of tradition, communal identity and ancestral heritage are involved.
The elders therefore urged Amaechi to reflect seriously on the cultural implications of the remarks attributed to him and recognise that respect for tradition should not be sacrificed during political arguments.
The council clarified that its position was not intended to prevent legitimate political expression or suppress differing opinions.
Rather, it described its intervention as a call for responsible public discourse that recognises cultural dignity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Following its consideration of the matter, the Ubima Elders Council announced its intention to pursue an appropriate traditional response, subject to verification of the remarks in question and the applicable customs and procedures of the community.
The council outlined four key demands.
First, it called for a formal review of the alleged remarks to establish their exact wording, context and implications under the relevant customs and traditions of Ubima.
Second, it said traditional sanctions could be considered if a breach of applicable customs is established through the appropriate traditional process.
The council stated that any customary measures, including a traditional fine or cleansing requirement, must be lawfully authorised, properly supported by Ubima tradition and determined in accordance with established procedures.
Third, the elders demanded an unreserved written apology from Amaechi to the Ubima Elders Council.
They also called for an appropriate personal apology, where warranted by the findings of the review, within 14 days of the issuance of the statement.
According to the council, the apology should demonstrate genuine recognition of the cultural concerns raised, acknowledge the importance of respecting the departed and affirm a commitment to avoiding similar controversies in the future.
Fourth, the council urged Amaechi and other sons and daughters of Ubima to respect the community’s heritage.
It stressed that preserving the community’s customs, values and cultural institutions is a collective responsibility requiring restraint in public speech, respect for traditional institutions and a willingness to resolve cultural disagreements through dialogue and established procedures.
The council explained that the 14-day period was intended to give Amaechi an opportunity to respond constructively to the concerns raised and demonstrate his willingness to address the matter through appropriate channels.
It said a timely, respectful and sincere response would create an opportunity for dialogue and help prevent further misunderstanding.
The elders added that if no satisfactory response is received within the stated period, the council may consider further steps consistent with its customary authority, applicable procedures and the law.
The statement emphasised that the objective should be to resolve the matter in a manner that upholds the dignity of the community, respects the rights of the individual concerned and preserves the integrity of Ubima’s cultural heritage.
The Ubima Elders Council also appealed to sons and daughters of the community, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to the peaceful preservation of their customs and traditions.
It cautioned against politicising the matter, spreading unverified information or taking actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the community.
The council stressed that disagreements should not become an excuse for hostility, intimidation or the breakdown of peaceful relations.
According to the statement, the protection of customs and traditions requires wisdom, responsible leadership, fairness and respect for due process.
It reaffirmed its commitment to addressing cultural concerns seriously while maintaining peace and unity among the people of Ubima.
The council further maintained that political disagreements should never become a reason to disregard the cultural values and communal heritage preserved across generations.
It called on Amaechi to address the concerns arising from the remarks attributed to him, demonstrate respect for the traditions of his community and take appropriate steps towards resolving the matter.
The elders reiterated that preserving Ubima customs is a responsibility shared by every generation and should be pursued with dignity, consistency, fairness and an unwavering commitment to the values that unite the community.
It could not be immediately ascertain which of the statements attributed to Anaechi, provoked the anger of the elders.
