Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has challenged Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, to lead the type of protest he has called for in response to Nigeria’s current economic hardships. This came after Amaechi expressed his disappointment over the lack of visible protests from Nigerians, especially the youth, amidst rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.
During an interview with ABN TV, Amaechi, who is also a former Governor of Rivers State, shared his surprise at the calm reaction from Nigerians despite hyperinflation and worsening economic conditions. He had expected more public demonstrations, stating, “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.”
In response to these remarks, Shehu Sani, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), called on Amaechi to take the lead in organizing the protest himself, remarking, “His Royal Highness Hon Rotimi should organise and lead the kind of protest he wants or wishes to see.”
Amaechi’s comments also drew criticism from Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who accused him of inciting violence. Matawalle condemned Amaechi’s rhetoric, calling it “reckless and irresponsible” and suggesting that such statements could threaten national peace and stability. He further emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s government is working to address the country’s challenges through reforms, and exploiting the situation for political gain is harmful to national progress.