Amaechi Blames Tinubu’s Policies for Mother’s Death, Says Drugs Became Unaffordable

Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has said the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration contributed to the death of his mother, alleging that the rising cost of medicines made it difficult for his family to provide the drugs she needed.

Amaechi made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today aired on Friday.

The former minister of transportation said his mother was healthy before Tinubu assumed office but that the situation changed as the cost of medication increased.

“Because policies are killing people. I’ve lost my mother,” Amaechi said.

He added: “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.”

According to Amaechi, the cost of his mother’s medication became difficult to manage after the change in economic conditions.

“Before Tinubu, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, by the time Tinubu came, it was difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I know most of you won’t believe this,” he said.

Amaechi said the issue extended beyond his family, arguing that other Nigerians were also facing difficulties accessing healthcare.

“But the point I’m making is that there are so many persons whose parents have died who themselves are about to die,” he said.

He also referred to the country’s spending on imported medicines, citing figures he attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics.

“By Tinubu’s removal, the NBS said last quarter, we spent N200 billion importing drugs. Forty percent of finished goods are imported,” Amaechi said.

The former governor has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration over its economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy.

He has also questioned the effect of the reforms on Nigerians and their ability to meet basic needs.

Amaechi is the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).