https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/01/09/amaechi-leaked-tape-opposition-cant-break-apc-fg/

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed says the released audio tape where the Minister of Transportation and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Rotimi Amaechi, allegedly bad mouthed President Muhammadu Buhari will not break the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mohammed made this declaration in Abuja on Tuesday while speaking with journalists.

Describing the released tape as an “infantile act,” he noted that it would add no advantage to the opposition.

Touching on the plan by Buhari to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrabim Idris, the Minister insisted the president was at liberty to do so adding that other former presidents have done so.

The Minister also spoke on other burning issues in the country.

“The opposition is determined to ensure the ongoing campaign for the 2019 elections is not based on issues but on mudslinging.

“What is the point in shopping around for audio clips or publications that are then maliciously edited out of context? Why do they think this will break our ranks in the ruling party?

“What advantage do they think they can get from this infantile act? Whoever wants to circulate any audio or video clip should do so in its entirety so the people can understand the context. Otherwise, let them continue wasting their time circulating an audio that is clearly designed to blackmail.”

On the planned extension of the I-G’s tenure, he had this to say: “When you are drowning, you grab any floating object you can find. You even grab at straws. That’s what the PDP is doing with the issue of the IGP’s tenure.

“In the first instance, it is the prerogative of Mr President to extend or not to extend the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police or any service chief. That prerogative cannot be taken from Mr President on the altar of paranoia by some people.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his time, extended the tenure of Mr Sunday Ehindero as IGP. Was there no opposition party then? Also, in his time, President Umaru Yar’Ardua extended the tenure of Mr Mike Okiro as IGP, heavens didn’t fall.

“I have read that some opposition parties are planning a series of nationwide protests on the issue of IG’s tenure. That’s purely within their right in a democracy. And I wish them the best of luck.”

Mohammed also spoke on the appointment of former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu as head of Buhari’s campaign, explaining that the President did not want his work affected by campaign, hence the decision to hand over the responsibility Tinubu.

Again, he said it was within the President’s right to do so as well as a mark of the confidence he reposed in the former governor.

His words: “Concerning the mischievous insinuation from the opposition that PMB handed over the campaign to Asiwaju because he cannot withstand the rigours of electioneering campaign, this is absurd.

“The President’s daily schedule over the past months is more rigorous than any electioneering campaign.

Na so. Nigeria is a messed up country