Former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that criminals had no hiding place in Rivers State during his tenure as governor, insisting that he treated insecurity with urgency and personal commitment.
Amaechi, who governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before handing over to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, made the remarks at the ongoing national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He recalled that he rarely rested whenever a crime occurred, saying he would not sleep until those responsible were tracked down and arrested.
“I wouldn’t sleep until I got you. And when I get you, then I go to bed,” he said. “Ask General Bello, ask Suleiman, who was Commissioner of Police then. None of us slept until the suspect was arrested.” The former governor also criticised the current state of insecurity in the country, questioning the effectiveness of the federal government’s response and citing reports of residents fleeing parts of Nasarawa State.
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He further faulted President Bola Tinubu’s approach to recent attacks in Plateau State, arguing that leaders should engage directly with affected communities rather than addressing victims from airports.Amaechi also took aim at Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, referencing his method of engaging victims during crisis situations.
According to him, leadership during conflict requires presence at the frontline, adding that any leader unwilling to do so should consider stepping aside for others to take over. He also criticised the planned tax reforms scheduled to take effect in June, arguing that Nigerians are already struggling with high fuel prices and rising living costs. Amaechi concluded by calling for opposition unity, urging the ADC to rally behind a strong consensus candidate capable of challenging the current administration.
