Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Mayor Akpodoro, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to review the record of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during his years in public office. Akpodoro, Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), made the call in Abuja at the weekend. This call comes after recent comments attributed to Amaechi concerning the economic situation in the country.
Amaechi had reportedly spoken about the difficulty of meeting the medical expenses associated with the illness of his late 89-year-old mother, who subsequently died. Akpodoro said that while he sympathised with Amaechi over the loss, the former minister’s comments should also be viewed against the background of his lengthy career in public service. Amaechi spent eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as governor of Rivers State and another eight years as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Akpodoro argued that Amaechi’s record in public office was a legitimate subject for public scrutiny, particularly his stewardship of the Transportation Ministry and major projects undertaken during his tenure as governor. He cited the Rivers State monorail project and other major infrastructure initiatives as examples. According to Akpodoro, anyone who has spent considerable years in public office should be open to questions about his stewardship.
Akpodoro called on the EFCC and ICPC to examine, where appropriate, projects and expenditure associated with Amaechi’s years in office. He said such a review should be based on official records and evidence rather than political claims. Akpodoro added that public confidence would be strengthened if questions surrounding major government projects were transparently addressed.
Akpodoro also criticised what he considered Amaechi’s assessment of the current economic situation. He argued that former public officials should contribute to national debate without politicising issues of personal loss. Akpodoro said his comments were not intended to diminish the former minister’s bereavement but to draw attention to what he described as the need for consistency and accountability in public discourse.
Akpodoro urged the anti-corruption agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities independently. He stressed that any review of Amaechi’s record should be based on verifiable facts and official documentation. This, according to him, would ensure that the review is fair and transparent.
The call by Akpodoro comes at a time when there are renewed efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public office. Key points from Akpodoro's call include: the need for a review of Amaechi's record in public office, the importance of transparency in government projects, and the need for consistency and accountability in public discourse.
Key points
- Akpodoro urges EFCC and ICPC to review Amaechi's years in office
- Amaechi's record in public office is a legitimate subject for public scrutiny
- Review of Amaechi's record should be based on official records and evidence
