The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former Transport Minister and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for remarks urging Nigerians, particularly the youth, to protest the country’s rising cost of living. The party labeled his comments as “irresponsible, unpatriotic, and inciting.”
Amaechi, in a recent interview, expressed disappointment over the lack of public protests against inflation, high fuel prices, and other economic pressures. However, APC spokesperson Felix Morka described the former minister’s statements as hypocritical, given Amaechi’s long tenure in public office.
“For over two decades, Amaechi has benefited from state resources as Speaker, Governor, and Minister. It is laughable for someone like him to criticize the economic challenges Nigerians face today,” Morka said. “If all politicians are thieves, as Amaechi suggests, why can’t he afford diesel barely two years after being in office?”
The APC suggested that Amaechi’s criticism aligns with the frustrations of opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who, according to the party, are discontented with being out of power.
The party linked Amaechi’s recent outbursts to his strained relationship with President Bola Tinubu following the APC presidential primaries, where Amaechi lost to Tinubu. Despite these tensions, Tinubu collaborated with Amaechi’s political rival, Nyesom Wike, who is now a federal minister.
Morka emphasized that Nigeria’s current economic difficulties are a result of essential reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and naira devaluation. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience, highlighting that the government’s policies will eventually yield positive results.
“Attempting to manipulate citizens’ frustrations for political gain is dangerous,” Morka said. “We urge Nigerians to reject calls for protests and continue supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to transform the economy.”
The APC also criticized Amaechi for neglecting the political crisis in Rivers State, where tensions between Wike and the current governor, Sim Fubara, persist.
The party’s statement concluded by warning that exploiting economic hardship to incite unrest is both irresponsible and unpatriotic. “Nigerians must not allow themselves to be used as tools for political agendas,” the statement read.
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