Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has asserted that the opposition has the capability to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Speaking during an event to mark his 60th birthday in Abuja, Amaechi revealed that he did not support Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023, despite being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During his address on the theme, “Weaponisation of Poverty as a Means of Underdevelopment: A Case Study of Nigeria,” Amaechi criticized Nigerian leaders for neglecting the poor, stating, “No Nigerian leader cares for the poor because they know that Nigerians can do nothing to them once they are in power.” He cited the recent increase in fuel prices as an example of leaders’ disregard for public sentiment.
Amaechi recounted a meeting with Tinubu in Yola, where he openly declared, “I will not work for you and I will not vote for you.” He emphasized that his stance was rooted in concerns over Tinubu’s capacity to lead effectively.
The former governor of Rivers State further expressed that the opposition could unite to challenge the current administration. “If you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him,” he stated, underscoring the need for the opposition to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions.
Amaechi accused current leaders of exploiting poverty while misappropriating funds meant for citizens. He questioned the government’s handling of financial resources following the removal of fuel subsidies, asking, “Where is the money now? Imagine if they had invested it in the economy; wouldn’t the average Nigerian have felt the impact?”
He linked insecurity to poverty, asserting that “insecurity is 99 percent poverty.” Drawing from his experience as governor, he explained that addressing financial challenges by ensuring timely salary payments helped reduce insecurity in Rivers State.
As he concluded, Amaechi remarked on the current political climate, highlighting the pervasive hunger among Nigerians. “We are all hungry. If you are not hungry, I am,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare of the populace.
