Former Rivers State governor and ADC vice presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has made a startling accusation against President Bola Tinubu's administration, claiming that its policies contributed to the death of his mother, Ezinne Amaechi. She passed away on July 16 at the age of 89. Amaechi made this statement during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today. He alleged that the economic hardship resulting from Tinubu's policies made it difficult for him to afford the medication his mother needed.
Amaechi's comments come as a counterpoint to President Tinubu's recent Independence Day address, where he defended his administration's economic reforms. Tinubu stated that the reforms had corrected structural weaknesses in the economy and would ultimately lead to shared prosperity. However, Amaechi has consistently criticized the Tinubu administration over the rising cost of living, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and its impact on Nigerians.
The ADC vice presidential candidate also challenged President Tinubu on the price of petrol, offering to abandon his position as running mate to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and campaign for Tinubu if petrol sells for N600 per litre. Amaechi proposed a straightforward test, suggesting that he would personally verify the price at a filling station. This challenge comes as a significant criticism of the current administration's handling of the economy.
In addition to his comments on economic policy, Amaechi accused the Tinubu administration of being more corrupt than the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He claimed that corruption during the Buhari administration was less visible, while alleging that it was more glaring under the current government. Amaechi stated that corruption under Buhari was not as bad as it was under the Tinubu regime.
When asked about his own involvement in corruption while serving in Buhari's cabinet, Amaechi denied any wrongdoing. He stated that he had previously denied allegations of corruption and was waiting for someone to prove otherwise. Amaechi emphasized that he would not engage in or get close to corrupt activities.
Furthermore, Amaechi challenged the Tinubu administration to name a major infrastructure project it had completed since taking office in 2023. He claimed that the administration's record on infrastructure was inferior to that of the Buhari government. Amaechi cited examples such as the Abuja-Kaduna rail, which was completed during Buhari's tenure, and asked the Tinubu administration to name one project it had completed.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi described it in stark terms, stating that Nigerians would face a choice between life and death. According to him, Tinubu represents the choice of death. This statement underscores the deep divisions and criticisms surrounding the current administration and sets the stage for a contentious electoral process.
Key points
- Rotimi Amaechi accuses President Tinubu's policies of contributing to his mother's death due to economic hardship.
- Amaechi challenges Tinubu to name a major infrastructure project completed by his administration.
- Amaechi criticizes the Tinubu administration for corruption, claiming it is more glaring than under former President Buhari.
