The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Rivers State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over his reported claim that he could not afford medication for his late mother. The party expressed condolences over the death of Amaechi's mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, and wished the former governor good health. However, the APC quickly turned to criticism of his political record and personal circumstances.
The APC, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, questioned Amaechi's suitability for the office of vice-president. The party noted that Amaechi had spent decades in public office, serving as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of the state, and Minister of Transportation. Despite this, he claimed to have been unable to afford medication for his mother, who died at 89.
The APC alleged that Amaechi had freeloaded at the highest levels of public office for four decades and was never hungry or unable to afford medications for himself and his family. However, just three years out of office, he reportedly found himself in financial difficulties. The party questioned how Amaechi could have become destitute so quickly after leaving public office.
The APC further attacked Amaechi's suitability for political office, alleging that his reported financial difficulties showed an inability to sustain himself outside public office. The party described Amaechi as a loafer, aimless, and irresponsible for his inability to be productive and earn a living outside the patronage of public office.
Amaechi is seeking the vice-presidency in 2027, despite his reported financial difficulties. The APC criticized him for asking Nigerians to make him vice president so he could continue to benefit from the public treasury and maintain his predatory lifestyle. The party emphasized that the presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a source of sustenance for Amaechi.
The APC concluded by linking Amaechi's reported comments directly to his suitability for the vice-presidential office. The party stated that Amaechi's unfitness for the office was evident in his own words. The APC's statement highlights the ongoing debate about the suitability of candidates for high-level political offices in Nigeria.
The controversy surrounding Amaechi's claim has sparked a national discussion about the financial responsibilities of public office holders and their ability to sustain themselves outside of government. The APC's criticism of Amaechi is likely to have significant implications for his future political ambitions, particularly his bid for the vice-presidency in 2027.
Key points
- The APC has criticized Rotimi Amaechi over his claim that he couldn't afford medication for his late mother, questioning his suitability for the vice-presidential office.
- Amaechi's reported financial difficulties have raised concerns about his ability to sustain himself outside public office.
- The APC has described Amaechi as a loafer, aimless, and irresponsible for his inability to be productive and earn a living outside the patronage of public office.
