THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, for allegedly “inciting anarchy” over Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, the APC condemned Amaechi for blaming Nigerian youth for not protesting the “high cost of living.”
Morka described Amaechi’s comments as “insensitive, disgraceful, and unpatriotic,” accusing him of being a long-time beneficiary of state resources and contributing to the country’s economic decline.
He further labeled the former governor’s alleged incitement to violence as hypocritical and dangerous.
The statement reads, “From his comfortable position, Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transport and Governor of Rivers state, in a recent interview, criticized Nigerian youth for not protesting the country’s high cost of living, seeking to exploit their frustration.
“Amaechi’s remarks are insensitive and unpatriotic, especially coming from someone who has spent much of his career benefiting from public resources—serving as a two-term Speaker, Governor, and Minister.
“For most of his adult life, Amaechi has depended on state resources, enjoying official privileges while contributing to the economic struggles of the country. Now, he hypocritically calls for unrest, which is both dangerous and provocative.
“If, as Amaechi claimed, those in power are ‘stealing money,’ how is it that he himself, after 24 years in high office, cannot afford ‘to buy diesel’ barely two years out of office?
“The real frustration Amaechi and his political allies like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso feel is that they are no longer in power. However, it was the Nigerian electorate—the country’s highest political authority—that made that decision.
“Nigerians are aware that the economic difficulties caused by the government’s necessary reforms are temporary, and the benefits will soon outweigh the discomfort. Nigerians will not be swayed into violent protests, as Amaechi and his allies hope.
“It’s appalling that these politicians, who failed to improve the economy while in office, now criticize and preach about how things should be done. Their newfound wisdom always seems to appear only when they are out of power, never during their tenure.
“Amaechi should focus on resolving the issues in Rivers state, where he once governed, rather than instigating unrest nationwide. Exploiting citizens’ economic struggles for selfish political gain is irresponsible and unpatriotic.
“We urge Nigerians to reject Amaechi’s call for unrest and continue to support President Tinubu’s efforts to transform the economy for the benefit of all.”
