The Mayor of Urhoboland and entrepreneur, Eshanekpe Israel (a.k.a Akpodoro), has issued a stern warning to the former governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, urging him to desist from encouraging Nigerian youths to engage in violence and civil disobedience, as he recently suggested.
Akpodoro made the remarks in Abuja on February 3rd, 2025, on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at discussing key national issues.
Akpodoro condemned Amaechi’s recent comments, in which he allegedly called on the youth to seize power by force and not wait for the current administration to relinquish it.
The Mayor described such remarks as harmful and unproductive, stressing that they could lead the nation down a dangerous path.
The Mayor emphasized that Amaechi’s statement was not only counterproductive but also hypocritical, given his participation in the presidential primary of the ruling party in 2022.
Akpodoro stated that it was time for the former Minister of Transport to move beyond the frustration of his political defeat and contribute positively to national development.
According to Akpodoro, the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making significant strides in improving the country, particularly in addressing the issues left behind by the previous government, in which Amaechi had a prominent role.
He called out Amaechi for attempting to undermine the efforts of the Tinubu administration and questioned why he would call for civil disobedience now, after the government he served in had eroded public confidence.
Akpodoro accused Amaechi of playing a spoiler’s role, suggesting that the former governor’s statements were intended to disrupt the progress being made by the current leadership.
He further criticized Amaechi’s legacy as Governor of Rivers State, claiming that he had failed to develop the state and its people.
The Mayor also challenged Amaechi to account for the use of the substantial budget allocated to the Ministry of Transport during his tenure as Minister, asserting that the ministry’s performance was worse under his leadership.
Akpodoro suggested that the current administration should investigate the activities of the Ministry of Transport during Amaechi’s time as Minister.
Reflecting on President Tinubu’s accomplishments, Akpodoro noted that the current administration has already surpassed the achievements of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, particularly in blocking corruption and improving the national economy.
He pointed to key initiatives like the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, which are opening up new opportunities for national growth.
Akpodoro also warned that Nigerian youths should ignore the provocations of defeated politicians like Amaechi, who have failed to remain relevant in the evolving political landscape.
He urged the youths to recognize that leadership involves more than just playing to the gallery, and that those who have been rejected by the people should not be allowed to spread divisive rhetoric.
The Mayor concluded by calling on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Adeola Ajayi, and other security chiefs to remain vigilant and investigate individuals who incite violence.
He specifically mentioned Amaechi, urging security forces to question him about his inflammatory statements, which he described as reckless.
“Amaechi has crossed a red line with his call for violence, and this is not the first time,” Akpodoro said. “It is crucial for the security agencies to intervene and prevent such dangerous rhetoric from destabilizing the nation.”
In closing, Akpodoro urged Nigerian youths to reject the misguided calls of those who, having lost their grip on power, now seek to drag the country into chaos.
“Amaechi had his time in power—he was a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Speaker, Governor, Minister, and even ran for President. Now, instead of working for the progress of the nation, he wants to fuel division and unrest.”
