Former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi has urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and regional sentiments when choosing leaders, insisting that competence should remain the decisive factor in elections. Speaking during an interview with Arise News on national issues and his political ambitions, Amaechi argued that the country’s worsening economic hardship demands a more pragmatic approach from voters.
“Don’t vote for somebody because he is Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo or Ijaw. Vote for competence because hunger has no tribe,” he said while discussing the future of Nigeria’s democratic process and leadership choices.
Amaechi, now seeking the presidency under the ADC platform, said Nigerians should assess candidates based on their records rather than ethnic identity or political loyalty. He maintained that elections should serve as a referendum on the performance and achievements of aspirants, especially those who have previously held public office.
During the interview, he pointed to his tenure as governor of Rivers State as evidence of his governance approach. He highlighted reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and power generation, arguing that leaders should be judged by measurable outcomes. According to him, his administration reduced classroom overcrowding, expanded healthcare facilities, improved roads, and pursued policies aimed at improving living standards.
He also warned against the tendency of citizens to make emotional voting decisions, arguing that poor leadership choices eventually affect everyone regardless of ethnic affiliation. Amaechi stressed that economic realities such as inflation, unemployment, and rising hardship do not discriminate among tribes or regions…See More
