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Matawalle condemns protest statement credited to ex-minister, Amaechi
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has condemned the alleged statement credited to former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi calling for protest from Nigerians.
This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
Amaechi is alleged to have called on Nigerian youths to rise up in protest against government policies that were anti people.
Reacting Matawalle condemned Amaechi’s call in the strongest of terms.
He cautioned the former minister to desist from inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
He also accused the former minister of inciting violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace.
Matawalle also expressed deep concern over the dangers posed by such rhetoric.
“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own 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.
Matawalle also cautioned the former minister not to cast aspersions on government genuine intentions for the people.
“It is expected that Amaechi joins hands with the government to move the country forward, rather than chose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” he added.(NAN)
By Amina Samuel,Kaduna
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has called for urgent and transformative actions to advance gender equality under the theme “Accelerate Action.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Sekyen Dadik, AMDF emphasized the need for immediate measures to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress.
The organization highlighted the ongoing struggles women face, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as persistent gender-based violence and discrimination.
“For years, AMDF has been committed to advocating for women’s rights through partnerships and collaborations that have led to improved policies and impactful programs,” the statement read.
The theme “Accelerate Action” aligns with AMDF’s mission of fostering inclusion and gender equality.
The organization stressed that, while progress has been made, much remains to be done, particularly in Nigeria, where women continue to confront workplace discrimination and cultural norms that limit their opportunities.
AMDF urged policymakers, activists, and community leaders to intensify efforts in enacting gender-responsive policies and initiatives.
“The call to Accelerate Action is a call to all stakeholders to join forces in building a just and equitable society.
” Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and live free from discrimination and violence,” the statement said
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has mocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its internal crisis.
Ganduje spoke in Abuja on Friday when he received members of the coalition of Atiku Abubakar Support Groups in the 2023 elections, who defected to the ruling party.
The APC national chairman said the PDP is “a dying party”, adding no aspirant has shown interest in contesting the upcoming Anambra governorship election under its platform due to the prolonged internal crisis.
“You are welcome to our party. We are formally receiving you now. But as I have been informed, after the fasting period, all your members will gather here in Abuja, under the leadership of the distinguished Senator Barau, so that we invite Mr. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the vice-president himself, senate president and the Rt honourable speaker to formally receive all your members to register the death, collapse, and disappearance of the PDP in Nigeria,” he said.
“I saw one clip that is trending. Soon, we will have an election in Anambra state. Each political party plans to get its candidates for the contest in the governorship election.
“But I have seen that PDP has extended its screening deadline because nobody has shown up for the contest. The extension has also expired. And nobody has showed up for the contest. So, I don’t need to tell you, it is a crumbling party.
“We are the greatest beneficiary of the crumbling party. So, we welcome you honestly. We welcome you to a party with a progressive ideology.
“To a party that believes in the rule of law. To the party that believes in internal democracy. To the party that believes in engagement. To the party that says no discrimination.
“We are the most peaceful party in Nigeria—the most peaceful party in Africa—because we believe in internal democracy.”
Ganduje said PDP is “dying at a fantastic rate,” adding that it has lost relevance in the country.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has described her six-month suspension from the senate as unjust.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her colleagues’ actions do not diminish her legitimacy as a senator.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity,” she wrote.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027… and beyond.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for “gross misconduct” after engaging Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a heated debate over seating arrangement on February 20.
The lawmaker would later accuse Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
The senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on procedural grounds.
Neda Imaseun, the committee chairman, had deemed the petition as “dead on arrival” because it was signed by the petitioner, which contravenes senate rules.
Despite a court order restraining the committee from proceeding with the seating arrangement disciplinary hearing, the senate went ahead with the suspension.