The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to comments made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a "loafer" and "irresponsible" for linking his mother's death to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration. Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, claimed that the rising cost of medicines made it difficult for his family to afford treatment for his mother.
Amaechi made the claim during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, stating that his mother was healthy before Tinubu assumed office but struggled with the rising cost of drugs afterwards. He argued that many Nigerians were struggling to afford healthcare, criticizing the Tinubu administration's economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy. Amaechi also cited a figure of N200bn attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics for spending on imported drugs in the previous quarter.
The APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, mocked Amaechi over his claim, recalling that he had served in various public offices, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation. Despite his years in public office, the APC questioned Amaechi's ability to provide for his family after leaving public office, stating that he had become financially constrained.
The APC described Amaechi as a "loafer, aimless and irresponsible" for his inability to earn a living outside public office, criticizing his aspiration to become vice president in 2027. The party alleged that Amaechi was seeking the position to return to dependence on public resources, stating that "the presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi."
The APC further argued that Amaechi's comments had raised questions about his suitability for the position he is seeking, saying "no one can speak more to Rotimi Amaechi's unfitness for the office of Vice President than Rotimi Amaechi himself." The party prayed for the repose of the deceased and for "excellent health of mind and body" for Amaechi.
Amaechi had pledged to resign if Nigeria does not begin to experience noticeable changes within one year of an ADC administration taking office. The APC's criticism of Amaechi comes as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, with the party seeking to discredit Amaechi's chances of becoming vice president.
The exchange between Amaechi and the APC highlights the ongoing debate about the economic policies of the Tinubu administration and their impact on Nigerians. As the country prepares for the next elections, the discussion around healthcare, economic policies, and leadership is likely to continue, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issues.
Key points
- The APC has criticized Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as lazy and unfit for the vice presidency.
- Amaechi linked his mother's death to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration.
- The APC questioned Amaechi's ability to provide for his family after leaving public office, describing him as a "loafer, aimless and irresponsible."
