Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi expressed disappointment over the lack of youth protests against Nigeria's economic challenges. In response, Shehu Sani challenged Amaechi to organize the protests he seeks. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Bello Matawalle condemned Amaechi's comments as potentially inciting unrest, emphasizing the need for responsible dialogue.
In a recent interview, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi voiced his frustration over the apparent lack of protests from young Nigerians in response to the country's worsening economic conditions, including rising fuel prices and high inflation. He expressed his surprise at the calm demeanor of the public, particularly the youth, noting he had expected more visible demonstrations against the ongoing hardships.
In light of Amaechi’s comments, Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker, challenged him to take the initiative by organizing and leading the protests he advocated for. Sani emphasized that if Amaechi is genuinely passionate about instigating change, he should lead by example. Additionally, Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, criticized Amaechi's remarks, stating they could incite unrest and jeopardize national peace. He condemned the former minister’s statements as irresponsible and accused him of leveraging the genuine struggles of Nigerians for political motives, particularly as President Bola Tinubu is actively pursuing reforms to address these pressing issues.
As the conversation around these economic challenges continues, both politicians highlight the growing discontent and the complexities of public response in Nigeria today.
