A civic group, the Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI), has condemned recent comments by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing them as “reckless, inflammatory, and a veiled call to violence.”
Amaechi had reportedly claimed that Nigerians must “take their fate into their own hands” to prevent President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, while also alleging that fewer than 100,000 elites are controlling the nation’s resources at the expense of over 200 million citizens.
In a statement issued on Friday by its national coordinator, Samaila Musa, GMI warned that Amaechi’s remarks pose “a grave threat to the peace and stability” of the country, and called on the federal government to arrest the former minister.
The group 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.”
Musa said Amaechi’s references to uprisings in countries like Bangladesh, Peru, and Chile ignore Nigeria’s unique socio-political complexities and risk stoking unrest.
His words: “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.
“The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative firmly rebukes Amaechi’s statement that revolutions cannot occur without bloodshed. This notion is not only misguided but also a direct invitation to violence.”
The group said it is “unbecoming” for a former minister, who once held the reins of governance, to now “incite division and discord.”
“It is disheartening to witness a former leader, who has benefited from the very system he now criticises, resort to inflammatory language,” Musa added.
GMI urged Nigerian youths to ignore what it termed a dangerous provocation and instead focus on peaceful engagement to effect change.
“We must channel our frustrations into peaceful advocacy for change rather than succumbing to the dangerous allure of violence,” the group said.
It also called on the federal government to take immediate action against Amaechi.
“His incitement to violence cannot be overlooked, and we believe that his arrest is necessary to prevent potential unrest.
“The future of Nigeria depends on our collective ability to engage in dialogue and pursue justice through peaceful means,” GMI stated.
GMI concluded by urging Amaechi to retract his comments and embrace responsible leadership.
“We demand that Rotimi Amaechi recognise the weight of his influence on the youth and prioritise the well-being of our nation over personal ambition,” the group said.
