IN DEFENCE OF TRUTH, DEMOCRACY, AND RESPONSIBLE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: A RESPONSE TO THE SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST MAZI CHIMA MATTHEW AMADI AND NUJ JOURNALISTS

By Anselem Anokwute in Njaba

We, the undersigned coalition of democratic stakeholders, civil society actors, and members of the media, write in response to the vile, irresponsible, and clearly politically motivated publication issued by the so-called Greater Imo Initiative (GII), dated September 4, 2025, in which it launched a barrage of falsehoods, fabrications, and dangerous propaganda against Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other respected voices of conscience in Imo State.

This document is nothing short of a desperate, last-ditch effort by a rapidly drowning political cabal to discredit dissent, muzzle the press, and incite fear among the electorate.

In defending Chima Amadi and others wrongly accused, we expose the real intent behind GII’s publication: to suppress emerging voices, intimidate the civic space, and distract the public from the glaring failures, flaws of the media handlers to proudly defend the governor Senator Hope Uzodimma in Imo State.

1. ON THE CHARACTER ASSASSINATION OF MAZI CHIMA AMADI

Chima Matthew Amadi is a globally recognized democratic rights advocate, policy analyst, and philanthropist, whose commitment to participatory democracy and credible electoral reforms spans over two decades. He has served in numerous advisory capacities within Nigeria’s democratic institutions, including engagements with international election observer missions, civic organizations, and governance think tanks.

To now portray this reputable figure as a “nuisance,” a “criminal,” or worse, a “cultist,” is not only defamatory but libelous, and reveals the intellectual poverty and desperation of the authors of the GII statement. Not one credible shred of evidence is provided to substantiate their outrageous claims — no dates, no legal filings, no court orders, no police reports. Instead, they rely on innuendo, WhatsApp rumours, and baseless conjecture. This is gutter politics at its worst.

2. ON THE ALLEGATIONS OF MONEY LAUNDERING AND NAIRA ABUSE

The claim that Mr. Amadi has been “spraying” Naira in “tens of millions” and dancing on them is not only laughable but fabricated. No such incident has been verified by any law enforcement agency, financial regulatory body, or independent observer. In an era of high surveillance and ubiquitous smartphones, GII’s failure to provide even one verifiable video or financial record to support their claim makes it clear this is mere propaganda.

Moreover, let it be known: Mr. Amadi has openly declared the sources of his wealth — legitimate earnings from his years in consulting, public policy advisory, and diaspora engagements. He has also passed every required financial disclosure and anti-money laundering check required for political aspirants. Unlike many of his critics, he has no history of corruption allegations or criminal charges.

3. ON THE BASELESS CLAIMS OF TREASON AND INEC MATERIALS

Perhaps the most reckless and treasonous claim in the GII’s publication is that Mr. Amadi is “printing INEC materials” and claims to be an “agent” of INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

This is a malicious distortion of an entirely separate matter in which Mr. Amadi, in a public forum, cited examples of past electoral manipulation methods used by rogue contractors and politicians, warning of their dangers to electoral credibility. At no time did he claim to be printing materials for INEC. His comments were taken grossly out of context, distorted, and weaponized by political actors desperate to shut down calls for electoral transparency.

We call on INEC to distance itself from these false narratives and maintain its commitment to impartiality and integrity.

4. ON THE ATTEMPT TO SMEAR HIS RELIGIOUS IDENTITY AND PERSONAL FAITH

The GII’s descent into Mr. Amadi’s personal religious beliefs, including his faith journey from Jehovah’s Witnesses, and allegations of “occultism,” is not only shameful but unconstitutional. Nigeria is a secular nation where freedom of worship is protected by law. Such religious profiling is reminiscent of dark authoritarian regimes and has no place in our democracy.

We reject in totality the disgraceful insinuation that money distributed for empowerment purposes—often in public spaces like markets—is tied to “ritual obligations.” These are lies spread to demonize good deeds and confuse the masses.

5. ON THE ATTACKS AGAINST THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ)

GII’s portrayal of the old NUJ Secretariat as a “den of criminals and hemp smokers” is an insult to the institution of the free press and an indirect attack on journalists who risk their lives daily to hold power accountable.

Rather than addressing the content of the issues raised by journalists and civil society groups, GII resorts to calling press centers “criminal hideouts” and accuses lawmakers like Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere of supporting “rapists.” These are not arguments — they are smears. And they reek of fear.

6. We stand in solidarity with NUJ and all journalists in Imo State. Journalism is not a crime. Dissent is not treason and the old NUJ center remained the epicenter of journalism barometer in the State.

It is now obvious that the Greater Imo Initiative is nothing more than a cunnied propaganda arm of the state government. Its unqualified loyalty to Governor despite Imo’s economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and gross unemployment — speaks volumes.

This so-called “defender of truth” is silent on the killings in some part Orlu, Okigwe and the slashing of opposition figures, the economic suffocation of local government areas, and the lack of transparency in state contracts. Their only focus? Discredit anyone who dares to stand up and speak the truth.

7. FINAL WORD: THE PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER

The Imo people are not fools. They know when a man is standing up for their rights. They know Chima Amadi is not the problem — bad governance, silence in the face of tyranny, and state-sponsored intimidation are the true problems.

Let the world know that the smear campaign launched by GII has no legal backing, no credible evidence, and no moral legitimacy.

We call on law enforcement agencies and the Nigerian Press Council to investigate the dangerous rhetoric, defamatory statements, and unsubstantiated claims made in the September 4 World Press publications.

We stand with Chima Amadi. We stand with the NUJ. We stand with truth, equity, and democracy. Imo shall not be bullied into silence.

Signed,
International Association of World Peace Advocate, (Member) Amb. Anselem Anokwute
Coalition for Democratic Integrity (CDI).. Coordinator Comrade Frank Dim
Civil Liberties Watch (CLW)
Concerned Imo Youths Forum (CIYF)
Nigeria Union of Journalists – Imo State Chapter
Friends of Democracy and Accountability (FDA) Prince Ikenna Durumukwe
Women for Justice in Governance (WJG), Comrade Ms Nkechi Ojukwu
Media Rights Platform (MRP).
Niger Delta Journalists Association, Comrade Austin Okoro (President)
Date: September 5, 2025