October 12, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have accused Rotimi Amaechi, the immediate-past Minister of Transportation, of exploiting the current economic challenges in the country to incite Nigerian youths to protest the high cost of living.
THEWILL reports that Amaechi had, in a recent interview, expressed his disappointment at the way Nigerians are responding to the nation’s current economic challenges, stating that he had expected more visible reactions from citizens, particularly the youth.
Amaechi, who served as the Minister of Transportation in the immediate-past administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, lamented the rising fuel prices, and other economic pressures. He stated that he was surprised by the calmness with which Nigerians have reacted.
The former Rivers governor said he expected youths to storm different streets and protest against the high cost of living but he has not seen anything that shows that they are serious.
“I expected more agitation, especially from the youth. I thought we would see protests in the streets, but it seems people are not expressing the kind of anger I expected. Look at what happened in Edo State, should any politician be campaigning in Edo State? See, some of us cannot afford to buy diesel again because it’s costly”, he said, adding that there has been no significant pushback from the public despite the soaring cost of living.
Reacting to Amaechi’s remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, accused the former Rivers governor of inciting violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace.
The Minister, in a statement issued by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, warned Amaechi to desist from making inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempts to destabilise the country through incitement will not be tolerated.
“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government.
“At a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the nation through various reforms that are yielding results. It is absurd, preposterous and shameful for anyone to exploit the genuine situation of our citizens for selfish political gain.
“We will not allow anyone to fuel violence or manipulate the prevailing situation of our people. Let this serve as a final warning to Amaechi and his cohorts.
“It is expected that Amaechi joins hands with the Government to move the country forward, rather he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions”, he said.
Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has also berated Amaechi, describing his comments as insensitive, god-awful and unpatriotic.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Nigerians were highly perceptive, discerning and mindful that the current economic discomforts associated with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s inevitable reforms were transient.
He expressed optimism that Nigerians would not be cajoled into taking back through street violence what they handed to the Tinubu-led administration through the ballot as Amaechi and his tribesmen would wish.
“Amaechi’s comments are insensitive, god-awful and unpatriotic, coming from one of Nigeria’s longest serving and highest ranking political freeloaders. Attempting to hoodwink Nigerians into his web of false empathy and incitement to violence is hypocritical, provocative and dangerous.
“It is nauseating to think that these naysayer tribesmen, who did absolutely nothing to improve the economy or living conditions for Nigerians while they were in office. Are now pontificating endlessly about what and how things should be done, but didn’t and couldn’t do while in power.
“It is as though they only regain their senses and discover their talents for governance when they are out of power.
“A tribe of naysayers is what they are, who never see any good, only gloom, filled with bile and disdain for the determined strides of APC-administration of Tinubu to transform our country’s economy for the benefit of present and future generations of Nigerians”, Morka said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
