By George Ozalla
The 60th birthday lecture of former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi took place at the Abuja Continental Hotel Saturday, bringing together prominent figures from politics, religion, and academia. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka chaired the occasion, while renowned academia who once taught Amaechi several years ago, Dr. Chidi Amata delivered the thought provoking lecture on the theme “Weaponizing Poverty in Nigeria”.
He took time to analyse various chequered historical political journey that has become of Nigeria as a nation.
The event was attended by notable personalities, including The former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the former Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Husseni Adamu, Hajia Aisha Buhari, who was equally represented by her son: Yusuf Buhari, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Senator Gabriel Suswan: former Governor of Benue State, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai, AVM Sadiq Abubabar: former Chief of Air Staff, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Arch Bishop Emeritus of Abuja, HRH Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, His Majesty: King Blessing Wagor, King of Isiokpo Kingdom, Dr John Odigie Oyegun, former Governor of Edo State, HE Kayode Fayemi: former Governor of Ekiti State, Nasir el-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu: former Governor of Niger State, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi, Sen Osita Izunaso, Sen. Seriake Dickson: former Bayelsa State Governor, High Chief Jim Martin Nwabueze (Ichief Akubudike Na Dioka) Founder of Ichie Akubudike Foundation and brother-in-law to the celebrant, Dr. George Muoghalu, Dame (Mrs) Paullen Tallen and Dakuku Peterside, Hon CY Ibeabuchi, Hon Stephen Ameh. Other guests included politicians, business leaders, opinion leaders, loyalists and activists.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, in his goodwill message at the event accused the current administration of weaponizing poverty, saying, “What we are experiencing currently in Nigeria is state weaponization of poverty.” He cited the example of Kano State, where people were sleeping under bridges and on the streets due to poverty and insecurity. Abubakar further added that a state agency’s efforts to help these people were halted by the government. He also stated, “You may call me a conspirator, you may call me anything, and that is why we are in this alliance to make sure we don’t allow them to continue weaponizing poverty.”
Similarly Amaechi linked the current poverty level in the country to insecurity, saying, “Hunger does not know tribe and religion, and the current government has made people poorer, which has increased the rate of insecurity and crime in society.” Amaechi stressed that Nigerians have the power to vote out leaders who are not performing, saying, “The power resides with the people, not politicians.”
Earlier on, before kick off of the event, wife of the celebrant Dame (Mrs) Judith Rotimi Amaechi cheerfully walked round the hall to greet and welcome guests.
Other speakers at the event also shared their individual thoughts on the theme. The discussion mainly centered around the state of the nation and attendant challenges facing Nigeria at the moment and the need for collective action to address them urgently.
Guests are expected to be later treated to an evening of memorable entertainment at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja. The celebration promises to be an exciting occasion, bringing together friends, family, well wishers, loyalists, associates, various groups and acquaintances to mark Amaechi’s milestone birthday.
Rt Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi is a seasoned politician who has served in various high positions. He is known for his rich contributions to Nigerian political space, student unionism, activism and governance, often seen as blunt and fearless. As he marks his 60th birthday, Amaechi remains a respected figure in Nigerian politics, committed to continuous public service.
