There is no end in sight to the controversy trailing former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi’s recent political comments as the Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria, RAYCN, has accused him and some other opposition politicians of plotting to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s government.
It would be recalled that, at a conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria on January, Amaechi said Nigerians must brace up and be willing to make sacrifices if they are to take power from Tinubu.
Amaechi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who served as Minister of Transportation during the government of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed that Tinubu would not give up power easily, and as a result, the people should be prepared for a struggle.
“The only way Ibrahim Shekarau (ex-Kano State governor) became governor was because people lined up. It happened in Ghana before the election of the last President. Two days, a lot of us were called to intervene. But why did they do that? The people were ready to die.
“You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you — not even me. If you want a pastor as President, go and get one. The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power.
“If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi said.
Responding to the comment, the Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, accused Amaechi and other critics, including former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of heating up the polity.
Further reacting to the development at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria, RAYCN, raised concerns over an alleged plot by Amaechi and former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa, to destabilise Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking through its national president, Bilal Abdullahi, the Arewa group alleged that Amaechi and Bafarawa are working with other disgruntled elements to undermine Tinubu and his government.
Specifically, the politicians were accused of plotting to orchestrate massive protests against Tinubu across the North-West, starting from Bafarawa’s home state, Sokoto.
Urging relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged plot, the group claimed that the activities of Amaechi and the others threaten national security.
The Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria in the same vein urged youths, religious organisations and lovers of peace and democracy to condemn the alleged plot and support Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to reform the country.
“Their intention and their several meetings is aimed at intimidating the government of President Tinubu and the various organs of government, and make the citizens feel that the government and its various organs are not doing enough to take the people to prosperity.
“This is a matter of utmost state security concern. We cannot fold our arms until we are submerged or over awe by their evil machination and subterfuge.
“It is clear that ever since their incontrovertible defeat at the polls by President Bola Tinubu, these elements have not hidden their hate and disdain for the person of the President and the various organs of government.
“It is however unfortunate that this hatred and disdain is pushing them to act against the Office of the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and becoming direct threat to our democracy and the rule of law.
“They must consequently be stopped with all might and not be allowed to go further, to serve as deterrence to others.”
Arewa youths accuse Amaechi, Bafarawa of plotting to destabilize Tinubu’s govt
