In a recent statement via his official X account, Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has criticized human rights activist Mahdi Shehu.
This came after Shehu condemned the way some Igbo leaders honored President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to Anambra State.
Mahdi Shehu made his statements on X (formerly Twitter) and accused the Igbo people of hypocrisy.
He said they are harming themselves and betraying the political movement led by Peter Obi.
Shehu also referred to the traditional greetings and titles given to President Tinubu as a “cultural assault.”
Many people saw Shehu’s statement as targeting an entire ethnic group unfairly.
In response, Sam Amadi described Shehu’s comment as hateful and unfair.
He said every ethnic group in Nigeria has members who show respect to political leaders.
He questioned why such behavior should be seen as unique to the Igbo people.
“This is a plainly stupid statement full of bile and hatred. All ethnic groups in Nigeria have people who will do this. How does it bow exclusively describe Igbos? Apart from ingrained prejudice?” Amadi wrote.
Amadi said that bowing or honoring a leader is not a crime and added that it does not mean betrayal.
He believes that Shehu’s comments reflect deep prejudice rather than fair criticism.
