By:Nigpost team
Date: April 26, 2025
‘They Wanted Me Dead’ — Amaechi Opens Up on Life-Threatening Moments During Jonathan Era
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has made some jaw-dropping revelations about the dangerous path he walked while challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the run-up to the 2015 elections.
Speaking at the 9th Annual Leadership Discourse by the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation in Lagos, themed “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” Amaechi said his decision to oppose Jonathan wasn’t driven by hate or personal issues, but by his discomfort with how the country was being governed at the time.
“I didn’t have anything personal against Jonathan,” Amaechi clarified. “I just didn’t believe in the way he led. People now compare him with Buhari and say he did better—but remember, under him, the dollar started to shoot up from N150 to N200.”
“Soldiers Warned Me to Leave Ekiti Before Nightfall”
Amaechi recounted a frightening moment during his tenure as governor, when he was advised not to enter Ekiti State. Defying the warning, he went—and almost paid the price.
“Soldiers blocked our convoy and told me plainly, ‘You better leave before it gets dark.’ I had Dr. Ogunbiyi with me. We raced to Akure airport, only to find the runway had been locked down by soldiers with tanks. No flights. We had to drive all the way to Lagos,” he said.
Trapped in Kano After Emir Installation
Another tense moment happened in Kano after he helped facilitate the installation of the Emir. Despite chartering a flight back to Abuja, his plane wasn’t allowed to take off—allegedly due to “orders from above.”
“I called then-Governor Kwankwaso for help. Even the Director of SSS warned me not to go near Government House,” Amaechi shared. “He told me to flee to Bichi, a town I didn’t even know existed! I obeyed. We switched off our phones and left quietly.”
He said he eventually drove overnight to Abuja, staying awake thanks to energy drinks and the grace of God.
Criticizes Tinubu’s Handling of Subsidy Removal
Amaechi didn’t hold back when discussing President Bola Tinubu’s controversial decision to remove fuel subsidies. While he supports the idea in principle, he blasted the government’s poor timing and lack of safety nets.
“You don’t remove subsidy when the people are already suffering. There should’ve been jobs, housing, and other support structures in place. Even my personal electricity bill is now hitting N1 million monthly,” he lamented.
Calls Out the Silence of Religious and Civil Leaders
Amaechi expressed disappointment in religious leaders and civil society groups for remaining silent during tough times, especially under the Tinubu administration.
“The church has failed too. Back in the day, we had priests and pastors who spoke up against injustice. Now, many are quiet. But I respect those few, like the Bishop of Nsukka, who still speak the truth fearlessly,” he said.
Where Are the Firebrands of Old?
Reflecting on his activism in the ’80s, Amaechi compared the bold student movements of the past to today’s more docile unions.
“NANS and the labour unions back then were powerful forces. We stood up to any government policy we didn’t agree with. Today, NANS has turned into something else—cars, flashy lifestyles, no more ideology,” he said.
According to Amaechi, leadership is not about playing it safe—it’s about standing for what’s right, no matter the cost.
Do you think today’s leaders and youth groups have lost their fire? Drop your thoughts below and stay connected with NIGPOST for more real stories from Nigeria’s political frontline.
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