Abuja, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, for his remarks that allegedly incited public unrest over Nigeria’s current economic situation.
The Bureau Newspaper reported that Amaechi, in an interview with ABN TV, expressed disappointment at the public’s response to the nation’s economic challenges, particularly the youth. He lamented the high cost of living, fuel prices, and other pressures, stating that he expected more visible protests against these rising costs.
In response, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, issued a Friday press statement titled, “Rotimi Amaechi, Inciting Anarchy Is Irresponsible And Unpatriotic,” describing Amaechi’s comments as “irresponsible and unpatriotic.” Morka highlighted that such remarks should not come from a man who has held significant government positions for over two decades.
Morka accused Amaechi of inciting the public and exploiting the economic discomfort caused by necessary reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The APC insisted that these reforms are already yielding positive results and urged Nigerians to be patient as the country stabilizes.
“Amaechi’s comments are inflammatory and seek to exploit the economic discomforts that are a direct result of necessary reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
The APC further accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, citing his long involvement in governance, which the party claims contributed to the nation’s current challenges.
Morka also targeted other opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, suggesting their criticisms arise from frustration at being out of power.
“The only real anger that Amaechi and his fellow tribesmen of naysayers of the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, must feel is that they are not in the saddle of government today. But that was a decision made by Nigeria’s ultimate political authority—the electorate,” the statement partly read.
The APC urged Nigerians not to fall for what they called opposition leaders’ attempts to manipulate the public for personal political gain. The statement also mocked Amaechi’s claim of not being able to afford diesel, despite his extensive time in power.
“If those in power ‘steal money,’ as Amaechi mischievously alleged, how come he can’t afford ‘to buy diesel’ barely two years after ‘stealing’ for over 24 years in power as Speaker, Governor, and Minister?” the statement questioned.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to steering Nigeria through its economic recovery and called on citizens to support the government’s efforts. It also criticized Amaechi for neglecting the crisis in Rivers State, involving Governor Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara, where Amaechi once served as governor.
“One would expect Amaechi to keep busy trying to solve the crippling crisis in Rivers State that he once governed. Instead, he has chosen to stoke anarchy on a national scale. Weaponising protest and exploiting citizens’ economic discomfort for selfish political objectives, as these partisan tribesmen are doing, is irresponsible and decidedly unpatriotic,” the party concluded.
