By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration contributed to the death of his mother, citing the rising cost of medicines.
Mr Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the allegation on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” he said.
When reminded that his mother died at the age of 82, Mr Amaechi questioned why she could not have lived longer, arguing that her health deteriorated after the administration’s economic policies took effect.
“You want me to mention my friends who are 90 or 92 years old? Why do you think my mother couldn’t live up to 92? Tinubu was the reason. Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy,” he said.
“Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I know most of you won’t believe this.”
Mr Amaechi said the rising cost of medicines had affected many Nigerian families, leaving some unable to afford essential healthcare for their ageing parents.
He cited figures he attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, claiming Nigeria spent N200 billion on drug imports in the last quarter. He added that about 40 per cent of finished goods were imported, describing the situation as a sign of dependence on imported products.
Mr Amaechi has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, especially the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he has linked to the rising cost of living.
He also expressed confidence that an administration led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and himself would improve living conditions for Nigerians, saying citizens could begin to feel relief within a year.
