Southern youth groups have condemned hate campaigns against the Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi. They said efforts were being made to frustrate the minister’s presidential aspiration.
The youth comprising 13 socio-political groups from the Southsouth and Southeast, spoke yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during an extraordinary general meeting.
The youth, under the aegis of Southern States Youths Coalition (SSYC), decried blackmail against Amaechi, noting that “such debased action against the former Rivers governor is the handiwork of political jobbers.
“It is very worrisome that these kinds of lies could be posted into public space, even when Amaechi has not declared his intention.
“Those behind these attacks are afraid of Amaechi’s profile and credentials as a former governor and current minister.
“This is the time to do away with political sentiments because the eyes of youths are open, and we can choose who we want as the next president,” part of a communiqué signed by the Director General, Media Vanguard for Change (MVC), Ordinance Emeji, reads.
The groups asked those they described as political detractors to “check Amaechi’s track record as former speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of the state, chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and currently minister of transportation.
“Those sponsoring Amaechi’s blackmail are just trying to drag his reputable name in the mud for political reasons, just to distract him from delivering on the job of fixing Nigeria, as assigned to him under the Ministry of Transportation by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We are determined to support the emergence of a youthful leader like Amaechi. This is why we are begging him to declare because we the youth from the Southsouth and Southeast, we have contributed cash to buy nomination\expression of interest forms for him as soon as he is ready.”
The communiqué, which was also endorsed by the Secretary of the coalition, Igbikiminachin Elliot, said it was time for all hands to be on deck towards ensuring a tension-free electioneering. It urged desperate politicians to “play the game according to the rules.”