Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has launched a blistering attack on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to protest against the worsening economic conditions characterised by hunger, high cost of living, and widespread poverty......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In an interview with ABN TV, he expressed his frustration at the lack of public outcry over the worsening economic situation, questioning why citizens have not taken to the streets to demand change.
THE WHISTLER reports that Amaechi, who contested the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress in 2023, and lost, had, in 2023, made snide remarks against President Tinubu and some of his ministers questioning their integrity.
During a lecture in Lagos, he expressed cynicism about some politicians, suggesting that voters often overlook their questionable backgrounds and corrupt practices.
Speaking at the 2023 The Niche Annual Lecture held at Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, the former Rivers Governor said, “Nigerians don’t react to anything. What is new to say, Nigerians don’t react to anything.
“Has any politician told you he is not a thief? Which politician told you he went to university?
“Which politician told you she served in NYSC, and which politician told you he has certificate?” in apparent reference to President Tinubu following his Chicago certificate controversy.
He stressed that, “Nigerians know and still vote for them, so what is your problem? I say why should I speak when already there’s nothing new?
“Nigerians choose who to believe and who not to believe, Nigerians choose who to vote and who not to vote.
“Even if you come to a Nigerian man’s house and kill his mother, the father will continue his life. Nothing bothers you, nothing, so why should I waste my time?” Amaechi had said.
As hardship persists, Amaechi has again launched what many in the Tinubu government have described as disparaging, when he told ABN TV that, “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything,” he stated.
Making reference to Edo state and the hardship in the country, Amaechi said, “Look at what happened in Edo State. Should any politician be campaigning in Edo?” he asked, adding that the citizens should be taking stronger stances against the political class.
“The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’. There won’t be any election in our state,” Amaechi said.
He emphasised that Nigerians should rise up and send a clear message, not through violence, but by withholding their participation in elections until their needs are prioritised.
“That is what people should be saying. The rate of hunger now…if people like us cannot afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to those who do not have children like us.”
In the face of the worsening economic situation, Amaechi mockingly said, “Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek. And you know walking helps the heart.”