Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi on Wednesday declared Nigeria to be in a state of collapse, urging a complete overhaul to address the nation’s dire challenges.
Speaking following the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) interim executive, Amaechi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conspiring to manipulate upcoming elections.
Amaechi, who announced his resignation from the APC on Tuesday night, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic crisis, highlighting skyrocketing inflation and widespread poverty that have left citizens unable to afford basic necessities like food.
He emphasized that the country’s issues extend beyond mere governance changes, calling instead for a transformative movement driven by Nigerians to reclaim control of their government.
Reflecting on his departure from the APC, Amaechi revealed he had distanced himself from the party long before his formal exit, having warned its leaders against involving him in their activities.
He expressed surprise at not being expelled, given his vocal criticism of the party’s practices, which he described as marred by widespread corruption.
When questioned about his lack of support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Amaechi asserted that he had never viewed Tinubu as capable of leading Nigeria effectively.
He pointed to the worsening economic conditions under Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the naira’s value has plummeted from around ₦460 to over ₦1,580 against the dollar, a decline he argued reflects a broader deterioration compared to the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari.
Amaechi suggested that public nostalgia for Buhari’s era stems from the relative stability it offered.
Addressing claims that the exchange rate crisis might be a deliberate policy, Amaechi dismissed such justifications, arguing that any policy neglecting the welfare of Nigerians is fundamentally flawed.
He referenced Tinubu’s apparent stance that his administration prioritizes other goals over public satisfaction, underscoring a disconnect between the government and the people.
