GMI Urges Peaceful Engagement, Cautions Against Inflammatory Rhetoric

The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI) has raised concerns over recent remarks attributed to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urging political leaders to promote unity and avoid statements that could be misinterpreted as calls to unrest.

In Abuja, it’s National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, the group described Amaechi’s comments as “deeply troubling” and advised that public figures should be mindful of the potential impact of their words on national stability.

Amaechi had reportedly suggested that Nigerians may need to “take their fate into their own hands” to prevent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from returning to power in 2027, and expressed frustration over what he described as a concentration of national resources in the hands of a few.

While acknowledging the importance of civic engagement and the right to free expression, GMI urged citizens—particularly the youth—to channel their energies toward peaceful and democratic means of demanding change.

Musa stated, “Public discourse should be constructive and guided by a commitment to peace. We encourage all Nigerians to reject violence in any form and focus instead on building a just and inclusive society through democratic channels.”

The group also called on the federal government to engage political stakeholders across the board in dialogue aimed at promoting national cohesion, especially ahead of future elections.

“As a former public officeholder, Mr. Amaechi’s voice carries weight. We believe such influence is best used to foster dialogue and inspire hope, not to deepen divisions or stoke unrest,” the GMI Coordinator said.

The group reaffirmed its belief in peaceful advocacy and civic participation as tools for national transformation, emphasizing that Nigeria’s challenges require unity of purpose and collaborative problem-solving.

“We urge all leaders, past and present, to help cultivate a national atmosphere rooted in tolerance, responsibility, and mutual respect,” Musa concluded.

The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative, a civil society organization committed to democratic participation and community development, reiterated its stance against inflammatory rhetoric and called for a renewed focus on peacebuilding and responsible leadership.