Your call for protest will have consequences – Tinubu’s Minister knocks Amaechi’s over recent comments

The statements ascribed to former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who purportedly called for large-scale protests against the policies of the Nigerian government, have been strongly denounced by Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, in a forceful reaction.

In an aggressive remark, Amaechi allegedly called on Nigerian youngsters to rebel against what he called “anti-people” government activities, which sparked a national uproar.

Reacting swiftly, Matawalle issued a sharp condemnation of the call in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.

The Minister of State did not mince words, warning Amaechi that his remarks could inflame tensions and destabilize the nation.

Matawalle warned the former minister to reconsider his provocative comments, emphasizing that they posed a direct threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria.

He further accused Amaechi of inciting unrest, suggesting that such rhetoric could fuel violence and social division among Nigerians.

Deeply concerned about the risks of escalating tensions, Matawalle called on leaders across the nation to exercise caution in their public statements, stressing the importance of national unity and security.

“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their government at a time when President Bola 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,” he said.

The minister further reiterated 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.

“We will not allow anyone to fuel violence or manipulate the prevailing situation of our people,” the statement said.

Matawalle also warned the former minister against undermining the government’s sincere efforts and commitment to the welfare of the people.

“It is expected that Amaechi joins hands with the government to move the country forward, rather than choosing to stay aside with myopic assertions,” he added.

Notorious Terrorist’s Wife, allies, trying to set up base in Nigeria arrested by Police in Kano

The Nigerian Police, Kano State Command has arrested a wife alongside two associates of a wanted Chadian terrorist named Ahmad Adam Abba, the alleged mastermind behind the killing of 17 people in Chad who also attempted to establish a terror base in the state.

The arrested suspects include Abba’s wife, a 42-year-old Chadian named Jibrin Mohammed, and an unnamed Nigerian accomplice who are currently in police custody.

Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Salman Dogo Garba disclosed this during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters on Friday in Kano.

CP Garba noted that although the prime suspect had fled Nigeria, investigations are ongoing to dismantle his terrorist network.

“They were arrested following a thorough investigation and intelligence-led policing, and are currently in custody with investigation ongoing,” CP Garba stated.

The CP said the arrests followed the January 24 security alert issued by the command where it urged the public to report suspicious activities after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists in the state.

Acting on these reports, the police said it successfully recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) while also intensified intelligence-gathering operations.

CP Garba emphasised the importance of collaboration between the police, intelligence agencies, and the public, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano.

“Patrols have been intensified, and surveillance measures enhanced in key areas. We will continue conducting awareness programmes to educate the public on the importance of reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

The commissioner further expressed appreciation for the support of the Kano State Government and residents, urging them to remain vigilant and proactive in providing valuable information to the police.

Coup, Military rule has no place in modern Nigeria- Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar

Former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has firmly stated that military rule has no place in modern Nigeria, emphasising that democratic governance has proven resilient and effective over the past 25 years.

Speaking at the launch of ‘100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923 – 2023’, a book by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Gen. Abdulsalami underscored that the survival of democratic rule despite challenges from reactionary forces is a testament to the strength and commitment of Nigerians.

Reflecting on his own legacy, the former leader expressed pride in his role in transitioning Nigeria from military to civilian rule.

“I laid a solid foundation by handing over power to civilian authorities,” he said, stressing that “there is no alternative to civil rule.”

The event also featured remarks by House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who echoed Gen. Abdulsalami’s sentiments, stressing the importance of strong political parties and a vibrant opposition for effective governance. Tajudeen pointed out that such parties are crucial for Nigeria’s political stability and development.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, further emphasized the need for political parties to foster internal democracy to ensure fair and credible elections.

Gen. Abdulsalami’s remarks came as a call to action for Nigerians and political parties to continue nurturing democracy, which he sees as the cornerstone of the nation’s future.

He concluded by highlighting that the endurance of democracy in Nigeria for over two decades is a testament to the resilience and unwavering belief in representative governance among the Nigerian people.

He said: “Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

“There is no substitute to the government of the people, by the people and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people.

“This year will also make it 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since 1st October 1960, when the country got Independence from the British colonial masters.

“I am happy that my government, as the then military Head of State, ushered in this era of democracy when I handed over power to the elected President on 29th May 1999.

“My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance.

“It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.

“We should, therefore, keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule.

“Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived.

“It is a testament to citizen’s belief and resilience in representative governance.

“It has become expedient to explore political parties’ development priorities to consolidate the nation’s democracy and ensure an environment conducive to successful elections and political stability which is in tandem with the IPAC mandate.

“Since knowledge is power, I have no doubt that we will all be enriched with this book and deliberations on it and chart the way forward in our political process.”

Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has called for a renewed focus on party supremacy, urging political parties to adhere strictly to their manifestoes and to base their formations on clear, guiding ideologies.

His remarks highlight the importance of integrity and purpose within political organizations as the foundation for sustainable democracy.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also addressed the event, reflecting on Nigeria’s transition to civil rule in 1999 after over three decades of military governance.

He described the shift as a fresh start for the country, a moment that marked a turning point in the nation’s political journey.

In his speech, delivered by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Abbas stressed the need for politicians to refrain from exploiting ethnic divisions for personal and political gain, an issue that has long hindered national unity and progress.

Abbas also expressed concern over the increasing control of political parties by wealthy individuals, lamenting how financial power is being used to dominate party structures.

He emphasised the need for grassroots participation, suggesting that members should be required to pay dues and take ownership of their respective parties, ensuring they remain representative of the people and not just the elite.

Abbas added: “Our parties today, to even give you a membership card, they turn it into trying to get a loan from the Nigerian bank. We need to review it.

“Political parties must serve as platforms for ideation, policy innovation, and citizen engagement, rather than tools for personal aggrandisement or factional dominance.

“The vibrancy of a democracy is measured not just by the strength of its ruling party, but also by the ability of its opposition to provide constructive criticism and alternative pathways for governance.

“Internal democracy within the political parties must play a role in ensuring the emergence of political representations.

“It is by so doing that we will eliminate imposition and godfatherism that have over the years characterised our political management.

“To consolidate our democracy is a duty of all democrats in Nigeria and we must take the bull by the horns. The time is now.”