From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has received severe criticism over the remarks he made against President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi had suggested that the only way to prevent President Tinubu from returning to power in 2027 was for Nigerians to “take their fate into their own hands.”
The former Rivers State governor also claimed that no fewer than 100,000 elite had plundered the country’s wealth while 200 million Nigerians suffer, implying a potential uprising against the ruling class.
But the Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI), condemned Amaechi, describing them as “reckless, inflammatory, and a veiled call to violence.”
GMI National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, in a statement yesterday, urged Nigerians, especially the youths, to resist any calls to violence, stressing that meaningful change can only be achieved through peaceful means and civic engagement.
Musa said: “Amaechi’s rhetoric is alarming and reminiscent of dangerous historical precedents that have led to violence and bloodshed. By suggesting that citizens should engage in direct confrontation with the elite, he is essentially advocating for chaos and disorder.
“The implication that Nigerians should emulate the actions of citizens in other countries, such as Bangladesh, Peru, or Chile, disregards the unique socio-political context of Nigeria.
“Our nation has a history of violence that must not be reignited by the careless words of a frustrated political figure who has held significant positions of power.
“GMI firmly rebukes Amaechi’s statement that revolutions cannot occur without bloodshed. This notion is not only misguided but also a direct invitation to violence.
“We must remind Amaechi of the responsibilities that come with his previous roles in government.
“As a former minister, he had the opportunity to contribute to nation-building and social cohesion, yet he now chooses to incite division and discord. Such behavior is unbecoming of a leader and is detrimental to the progress of our society.
“It is disheartening to witness a former leader, who has benefited from the very system he now criticizes, resort to inflammatory language. His comments reflect a profound misunderstanding of the power dynamics in Nigeria and a dangerous underestimation of the consequences of his words.”
He urged Amaechi to reconsider his stance and engage in constructive dialogue rather than inciting violence among the populace.
“In light of these provocative statements, Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI) calls upon the federal government to take immediate action against Amaechi. It is unacceptable for a former leader to incite the populace to violence and chaos.
Musa said that Amaechi’s incitement to violence should not overlooked stressing that he should be arrested to prevent potential unrest.
“It is crucial for leaders to promote peace, unity, and constructive discourse, especially in a country that has faced numerous challenges in its quest for stability and progress.
“Our strength lies not in conflict but in our ability to come together as a united front against corruption and mis-governance both of which Amaechi represents.
“Let us channel our frustrations into peaceful advocacy for change rather than succumbing to the dangerous allure of violence. The future of Nigeria depends on our collective ability to engage in dialogue and pursue justice through peaceful means,” Musa said.