The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a stinging criticism on vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi,over his claim that the policies of President Bola Tinubu administration played a role in the death of his mother.
In a statement issued on Sunday by APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party noted that the comments showed Amaechi was “unfit” to occupy the office of the vice-president.
APC started the statement by praying for the soul of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, stating she should “continue to rest in perfect peace”.
It further rendered prayers for the “excellent health of mind and body” of her son, while highlighting his past positions as speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly, governor, and minister of transportation.
JESNews reports that APC was reacting to Amaechi ‘s interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where the former Rivers governor said the high cost of medicines under the Tinubu administration made it tough for his family to provide proper care for his mother before her demise.
“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother. Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother,” Amaechi had said.
In its response, APC said it was ironic that Amaechi, after occupying public office for decades, said was not able to afford medication for his mother.
“He was never hungry and could afford medications for himself and his family. Just three years out of office, he has become destitute, unable to fend for himself and his loved ones,” the APC said.
The party also referred to an earlier comment attributed to Amaechi that he had become so broke that his wife was feeding him.
“Rotimi Amaechi’s uncanny confessions must not be missed. First, he howled that he had become so broke and hungry that his wife was now feeding him. Now, he has stated that his inability to afford medications killed his mother at 89,” the APC said.
“For four decades, Rotimi Amaechi freeloaded at the highest levels of public office.
“If Amaechi is not struggling with some kind of Peter Pan syndrome, then he must be a loafer, aimless and irresponsible for his inability to be productive and earn a living outside the patronage of public office.”
The APC further criticised Amaechi’s candidacy for the 2027 elections, making allegations that the latter wants to keep on getting benefis from public resources.
“The same Rotimi Amaechi now asks Nigerians to make him vice president come 2027 so he can continue leeching on public treasury and keep the predatory lifestyle he has grown accustomed to,” the party said.
“The presidency is not a soup kitchen, and will not be a soup kitchen for Rotimi Amaechi.”
The APC said Amaechi’s own statements were sufficient evidence against his suitability for the vice-presidential position.
“There can be no better speaker of Rotimi Amaechi’s unfitness for the office of vice president than Rotimi Amaechi himself,” APC said.
