Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, on Wednesday 19th November launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of demonstrating “no political will” to end the wave of terrorist attacks, killings and mass abductions ravaging the country.
In a strongly worded statement personally signed by him, Amaechi said the Federal Government has “failed to provide adequate protection for citizens,” a lapse that has emboldened terrorists and badly eroded public trust.
He listed a string of deadly incidents that occurred within one week, describing them as “too much to be ignored”:
Renewed attacks on innocent civilians in Plateau State, Kidnapping of secondary schoolgirls in Kebbi State, Ambush of military convoy in Borno State leading to the reported abduction and killing of a Brigadier General, M. Uba, Attack on a Catholic church in Kwara State and Abduction of Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, a Catholic priest, in Kaduna State.
“The incessant killings, terrorist attacks and mass kidnappings have reached alarming levels and clearly show that those in power lack the will to confront the menace head-on,” Amaechi stated.
The former governor urged the Federal Government to “step up its game,” sharpen intelligence gathering, strengthen tactical operations and show decisive leadership instead of what he called “watery statements of condemnation.”
In a direct message to President Tinubu, Amaechi declared: “Mr. President, your primary constitutional duty is the security of lives and property.
Enough of looking the other way or issuing weak press statements. Prioritising summits and jetting out of the country for whatever reason while Nigerians are being slaughtered daily can never be the mark of good leadership.
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“It is time to probe wrong decisions, restrategise and make tough calls. The situation demands stronger intelligence coordination and accountability.”
Drawing from his tenure as Rivers State governor, Amaechi boasted that his administration successfully tackled insecurity in the state and expressed readiness to assist the Federal Government.
“We did it in Rivers State; it can be done nationally. We are prepared to help if you request help,” he concluded.
The statement has sparked fresh debate about the handling of the country’s worsening security crisis, with many Nigerians echoing Amaechi’s frustration over the spate of attacks despite repeated assurances from the presidency.
