Abuja, Nigeria — Former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has asserted that he and ex-Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, would have openly confronted President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s current political and socio-economic realities—if they were still serving as governors.
Amaechim made this known in Abuja during the public presentation of Lamido’s autobiography, “Being True to Myself,” held on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the political climate and leadership ethos of their time, Amaechi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, underscored the assertiveness and accountability that defined their era.
“We wouldn’t have stayed silent,” Amaechi stated. “We would have confronted the government, confronted the president. That’s how bold we were. That’s the kind of Governors Forum we ran—fearless, determined, and committed to change.”
He emphasized the need for strong, principled leadership that does not shy away from challenging the status quo when necessary.
Commenting on his relationship with Lamido, Amaechi described it as one built on shared political ideals, though not without moments of disagreement.
“We were close political allies in government. But our strategies later differed, especially during the pushback against former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he recalled.
Amaechi recounted how their paths diverged when Lamido opted to support the Social Democratic Party (SDP), while others—including Amaechi—chose to remain with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“That decision marked a turning point,” he said. “I thought Lamido shared my level of radicalism, but he chose a different route. Still, we made history together.”
The remarks served as a reflection on leadership courage and the value of principled opposition in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
By Adeola Olaniya | May 14, 2025
