The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as a “loafer” and “irresponsible” after he linked the death of his mother to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
CityNews Nigeria reports that the APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Sunday, mocked Amaechi over his claim that the rising cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration made it difficult for his family to afford treatment for his mother.
Amaechi, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, had made the claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He said his mother was healthy before Tinubu assumed office but that the rising cost of drugs subsequently made it difficult for the family to provide the medication she needed.
“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” Amaechi said.
He added, “Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I know most of you won’t believe this.”
Amaechi also argued that the difficulty experienced by his family was reflective of a wider problem, saying many Nigerians were struggling to afford healthcare
He particularly criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Ameachi linked the difficulty of purchasing medicines to the broader economic situation and cited a figure of N200bn which he attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics for spending on imported drugs in the previous quarter.
The former governor also pledged to resign if Nigeria does not begin to experience noticeable changes within one year of an ADC administration taking office.
Reacting, the APC said it prayed for the repose of the deceased and for “excellent health of mind and body” for Amaechi, while sarcastically questioning his ability to provide for his family after leaving public office.
The party recalled that Amaechi had served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, among other political positions.
It further stated that despite his years in public office, Amaechi had now become financially constrained.
The party said, “For four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office. He was never hungry and could afford medications for himself and his family.”
It added that three years after leaving office, Amaechi had allegedly become unable to fend for himself and his family, describing him as a “loafer, aimless and irresponsible” for what it called his inability to earn a living outside public office.
The APC further criticised Amaechi’s aspiration to become vice president in 2027, alleging that he was seeking the position to return to what it described as dependence on public resources.
“The presidency is not a soup kitchen and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi,” the party stated.
The party also argued that Amaechi’s own comments had raised questions about his suitability for the position he is seeking.
“No one can speak more to Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of Vice President than Rotimi Amaechi himself,” the APC said.
