Amaechi knocks Tinubu over hardship, says governors also complaining

…Wants ADC presidential ticket ceded to South

Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship and alleged misuse of public funds.

Speaking during a DCL Hausa programme, Amaechi said although some of Tinubu’s economic reforms were necessary, they had failed to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Amaechi, a Presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that proceeds from the removal of fuel subsidy were being diverted for private gain, claiming that some individuals were using public funds to build hotels and other personal projects.

“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,” he said.

Amaechi further claimed that state governors, despite receiving increased allocations, were also dissatisfied with the current administration.

“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 failed to deliver projects within six months, I would stop giving them money,” he stated.

The former minister also faulted the government’s borrowing profile, questioning what the administration was doing with fresh loans. “Under Buhari, although loans were borrowed, a lot of projects were executed. But what is Tinubu doing with the money he is borrowing?” he asked.

On the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, Amaechi said the South should be allowed to complete its turn in office, arguing that the region had not finished its eight-year cycle.

“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,” he said.

Amaechi also dismissed claims that he once said he did not join politics to serve Nigerians, insisting his remarks were taken out of context.