Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized sitting state governors across Nigeria for what he described as their silence in the face of growing hardship and poor governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during the public presentation of a book in honour of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, the former Rivers State Governor expressed disappointment that the governors’ forum, which was once a strong force for accountability and political direction, has now become quiet and ineffective.
He declared, “What is happening now could never happen when we were governors.”
Amaechi reflected on his time as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, recalling how the group once boldly stood up to the presidency when decisions went against the interest of the people. He said such courage is sorely lacking today.
According to him, “In our time, we would have confronted the president. We would have challenged bad policies. Today’s governors say nothing, do nothing. That’s not leadership.”
Though he did not mention President Tinubu by name, Amaechi’s comments appeared to be a clear attack on the current administration’s handling of the economy and national affairs, which many Nigerians have criticized for worsening living conditions.
He also described his past working relationship with Lamido, praising him as a principled leader who was not afraid to speak truth to power, even when it meant going against the grain.
