Rotimi Amaechi Claims He and Lamido Would Have Challenged Tinubu’s Government If Still in Office

Former Governors Criticize Current Political Climate

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has stated that he and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido would not have tolerated the current state of affairs in Nigeria if they were still serving as governors.

According to a DailyTrust report, Amaechi, who chaired the Nigeria Governors Forum during Lamido’s tenure, emphasized that their era was defined by bold opposition and a strong commitment to holding the federal government accountable.

Amaechi Speaks at Lamido’s Book Presentation

The former Minister of Transportation made these remarks in Abuja on Tuesday during the public presentation of Lamido’s autobiography, Being True to Myself.

He recalled asking Lamido: “What is going on currently in the country, in Nigerian politics—would it have happened when we were governors?” Lamido reportedly responded with a firm “no.”

Amaechi elaborated: “We would have confronted the government, confronted the president. That’s how radical you were. That’s how our Governors Forum operated. That’s how determined we were to change things.”

Political Rift Over Opposition Strategy

The former governor also reflected on his political relationship with Lamido, acknowledging their alliance during their time in office but noting a divergence in strategy when opposing then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

He explained: “We were quite good friends in government. We had our bad times when we disagreed. I made the mistake of assuming he was as radical as I was.”

Amaechi revealed that their final disagreement occurred when Lamido opted to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), while Amaechi and others chose to remain with the All Progressives Congress (APC). “He disagreed and left us. That’s where we parted ways,” he said.

Source: NigerianEye.com