•Tinubu and Rotimi Amaechi
Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has lashed out at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of mismanaging public funds and worsening economic hardship.
Amaechi, who spoke during an appearance on a DCL Hausa programme, said even state governors are grumbling under the current administration, contrary to reports that they now receive increased allocations.
While acknowledging that some of the government’s policies were necessary for economic reform, he warned that they must not further subject more Nigerians to hardship.
He questioned the removal of fuel subsidy, alleging that some individuals are benefiting privately from the proceeds.
“One must agree that some of President Bola Tinubu’s policies are necessary and beneficial for the economy because reforms are needed, but they should be reforms that deliver real benefits, not ones that further subject people to hardship.
“Why remove subsidy when the proceeds end up in private pockets? Some individuals are now building hotels all over with federal government money and they do not care. No fear, no respect, nothing.
“If you talk, they insult you. If you talk too much, they ask agencies to come and arrest you.
“Thirty-six governors are putting money into their pockets. Let’s clap for Tinubu’s government! Were they not given the money to execute projects and work? If I were Tinubu and gave them money, and they did not carry out projects that would benefit the people within the first six months, I would stop giving them money. If Tinubu says governors are the problem, people should listen carefully, because even the governors are grumbling. Tinubu does not care about Nigerians, whether rich or poor.
“Tax on companies is 30%. If you have N100 million in your account, that means Tinubu will get N30 million. I am a lawyer, I read the law. What happens to business owners? That is what they want to implement.
“Under Buhari, although loans were borrowed, a lot of projects were executed. But what is Tinubu doing with the money he is borrowing?”
Reacting to comments attributed to him that he once said he did not join politics to salvage Nigeria, Amaechi said he was misquoted.
“People do not like those who speak the truth. I was quoted out of context. I said I did not join politics to salvage Nigerians. Why? Because I was unemployed at the time and it became my source of livelihood. Many politicians, about 80 – 90%, are into politics because they have no employment. They would not have joined politics if they were gainfully employed.
“Later in my political career, I realised it is not just about me, but about Nigeria. Since then, things have changed. But how can I, in 1987, say I wanted to join politics to salvage Nigeria? As I have said, things changed after I assumed leadership position.”
Asked to speak on his political relevance and influence in Rivers State, the former minister of transportation declined detailed comment, noting he would not speak about his “subordinates”.
“I do not want to talk about my subordinates. Let us wait and see the elections. I was recently in Port Harcourt and I was received by a mammoth crowd.”
Speaking on the ADC presidential ticket, he said the South should be allowed to complete its turn, urging other aspirants to support his ambition.
“Once I emerge as the ADC flag bearer, we will not allow INEC to do as it wishes. We will fight electoral malpractice.
“I wished Kwankwaso and Obi well after they left our party. I am not a soothsayer and I do not know what will happen tomorrow, but Nigerians will not look at Kwankwaso, Obi or Amaechi alone, but at our track records and what each person can bring to the table.
“I do not believe in zoning arrangements, but if I must comment, the South should be allowed to complete its term. Buhari did eight years, Tinubu four years, so the South has not finished its turn.
“Why would I not get the ADC ticket? I am 60 years old and will clock 61 by May 27. I am the youngest among them. All of them are above 70; they should support me. I would concede defeat if I fail to secure the ticket, provided the process is free and fair. We all agreed to that in the forms we signed.” Amaechi declared.
