Nigerians fire back at Amaechi after blaming Tinubu’s policies for mother’s death

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Rivers State Governor and 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has come under intense criticism on social media following his claim that President Bola Tinubu’s policies contributed to the death of his mother.

Amaechi made the claim during an interview on Channels Television, where he was questioned about his mother’s death and whether the cost of healthcare under the Tinubu administration had contributed to the tragedy.

Asked by the interviewer, Seun Okinbaloye, whether it was Tinubu’s policy that killed his mother, Amaechi responded that his mother had been healthy before Tinubu became president.

According to Amaechi, the economic situation made it difficult for him to afford the medication his mother required.

His remarks quickly generated a barrage of reactions on X, with several users questioning his explanation and pointing to his long experience in government and political influence.

One user, posting as @Nathlekan, described Amaechi’s comments as “high-sounding nonsense” and questioned his record after spending years occupying influential positions in government.

Another user, @elderadib, wrote that Amaechi had spent more than 20 years in government and was among those who contributed to the circumstances Nigeria currently faces.

The controversy was particularly focused on Amaechi’s explanation that he could not afford the medication his mother needed.

A user identified as @lady____tee questioned how Amaechi could have raised money to participate in political activities while claiming he could not afford his mother’s treatment.

Another commenter, @ken39291, accused the former governor of making what the user described as “barefaced lies,” while @realolusoladare also criticised his comments during the interview.

Some users took issue with Amaechi’s exchange with Okinbaloye, with @OkwudiJ81208 accusing the former governor of turning his attention to Seun after a previous television encounter involving another broadcaster.

Other reactions were expressed in more insulting and dismissive terms, with some users calling Amaechi a “joker” and questioning his credibility.

The online backlash followed Amaechi’s wider criticism of the Tinubu administration and his argument that government policies have worsened economic conditions, including the cost of healthcare.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.

His claim about his mother’s death has therefore become a major point of discussion, with critics questioning whether responsibility for an individual’s medical treatment can be attributed directly to government policy.