Dare Babalola
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday criticised the Federal Government over what he described as growing hardship, insecurity and suppression of democratic rights, urging opposition parties to unite ahead of future elections.
Amaechi spoke at the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he questioned attempts by authorities to restrict public gatherings.
“Why would a government official try to deny you your right to gather?” he asked, stressing that freedom of assembly remains a key part of democracy.
He accused political leaders of lacking accountability and being indifferent to public criticism.
“If you accuse me of what I did not do, I will go to any length to defend myself. These guys don’t care. What they care about is money—that’s all they care about,” Amaechi said.
In comments seen as directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former Rivers State governor alleged that government institutions were being used against citizens.
“They are using the institutions of government against the people of Nigeria. He doesn’t care,” he said.
Amaechi also raised concerns about the country’s economic situation, especially taxation. He criticised the current corporate tax rate, saying it places pressure on businesses without clear results.
“If you have 100 million as a company, they will take 30 million. What are they doing with the money?” he queried.
On insecurity, he said recent incidents showed a failure of leadership, noting that people were being forced to flee their communities.
“I watched people running away from their communities like civil war,” he said. He added that leaders must take responsibility during crises.
“You can’t commit a crime and I will sleep. I won’t sleep until I get you,” he stated.
Speaking on the general living conditions, Amaechi said many Nigerians were struggling.
“If you Nigerians are not hungry, I am. The situation is bad. It’s terrible,” he said, warning that more taxes could worsen the situation.
He, however, called on the ADC to focus on unity and competence in choosing its candidate.
“ADC must come together and decide on a viable candidate. No ethnicity, no religion,” he said, warning against identity politics.
Amaechi concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on shared economic realities rather than divisions.
“If you go to the market, there is no Muslim market, no Christian market—the market is naira,” he said.
