The All-Progressives Congress (APC) has railed against former Minister of Transport and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for remarks it deems inciting and “unpatriotic.” In a statement released by Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, which was shared on social media by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the party accused Amaechi of agitating unrest by encouraging Nigerian youth to protest against the country’s rising cost of living.

Amaechi, a long-time political figure, has come under fire for what the APC calls deceptive behavior. The party points out that Amaechi, who has held notable positions in government, including two terms as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two terms as Governor of Rivers State, and two terms as Minister of Transport, is now allegedly agitating against the same system from which he benefited for decades. According to the APC, his current disapproval is not born out of genuine concern for the people but rather emanates from his frustration at no longer being in power.

The statement issued by the APC described Amaechi’s comments as “insensitive, god-awful, and unpatriotic.” It further classified him as a “political freeloader” who has consistently relied on state resources throughout his career, contributing to the economic problems he now criticizes. “For almost all of his adult life, Amaechi has been a parasite on the state resources, a voracious beneficiary of official patronage, and a leading participant in the generational devastation of our country’s economy,” the statement reads. The APC accused Amaechi of attempting to manipulate Nigerians by feigning empathy for their struggles while pushing them toward dangerous actions, including violent protests.

In addition to targeting Amaechi directly, the APC drew parallels between him and other prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party alleged that these individuals, much like Amaechi, belong to a “tribe of naysayers” who contributed little to solving Nigeria’s challenges during their time in power but now position themselves as critics. Morka’s statement argued that Amaechi and these other leaders are driven primarily by their dissatisfaction at being out of government, rather than a genuine desire to see the country progress.

“The only real anger that Amaechi and his fellow tribesmen of naysayers like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso must feel is that they are not in the saddle of government today,” Morka wrote. He added that Nigerians, having made their decision at the ballot box, should not be swayed into violent actions. The APC contended that the economic challenges facing the country are temporary and part of necessary reforms that will lead to long-term improvements under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Morka emphasized that Nigerians are perceptive and understand that the current discomforts are the result of a transformative agenda that will ultimately yield positive results. He warned against falling for what he described as attempts by opposition figures like Amaechi to incite chaos.

According to the APC, the reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration are critical to addressing the underlying economic problems in the country. These interchanges while initially painful, are positioned as part of a broader strategy to modernize and stabilize Nigeria’s economy, with long-term benefits that far outweigh the temporary difficulties. The party urged citizens to remain patient, expressing confidence that the positive effects of these reforms will soon become more apparent.

The APC also expressed frustration with what it sees as the opportunistic nature of Amaechi’s recent comments. “It is nauseating to think that these naysayer tribesmen who did absolutely nothing to improve the economy or living conditions for Nigerians while they were in office, now pontificate, endlessly, about what and how things should be done but didn’t and couldn’t do while in power,” the statement read. The APC maintained that these former leaders only seem to rediscover their interest in governance and economic reform after they are no longer in positions of power.

Morka’s statement also sought to highlight the contrast between the APC’s current efforts and the perceived failures of previous administrations led by figures like Amaechi, Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso. He described these leaders as bitter and resentful of the current government’s determined efforts to improve the country’s economic prospects, accusing them of being blind to the progress being made.

In conclusion, the APC called for national unity and patience as the country navigates its current economic challenges. The party implored Nigerians to reject any attempts by Amaechi or others to stir unrest and urged citizens to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to transform the economy. “We urge Nigerians to set aside the call to anarchy by Amaechi and his partisan tribesmen and to remain patient and continue to support President Tinubu’s bold effort to transform our country’s economy once and for all,” the statement concluded.

This condemnation of Amaechi follows remarks he made expressing disappointment at the public’s relatively muted response to the nation’s economic situation, noting that he had expected more visible reactions, particularly from young people. However, the APC maintains that such comments are reckless and aimed at undermining the government’s ongoing efforts to address the country’s challenges.