Amaechi denies claims of Lobbying U.S. to influence 2015 elections

Amaechi denies claims of Lobbying U.S. to influence 2015 elections

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims that opposition leaders met with American officials ahead of the 2015 general elections to lobby for international pressure against the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Speaking at the National Conference of Editors in Abuja on Thursday, Amaechi—who was a prominent figure in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari—insisted that the only meeting held with U.S. officials at the time focused strictly on ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

“There have been talks about some clandestine meetings in America. No, there was no meeting in America like that,” he said. “There was just one meeting, and we were invited. The Americans only asked that there should be no violence during the election.”

The former governor also took a swipe at the Nigerian media, accusing journalists of losing the courage they displayed during the military era.

READ ALSO:

• Ronaldo sent off as Ireland stun Portugal in World cup qualifier
• Ex-PDP ward Chairman abducted in midnight raid in Kwara community
• Toyota to wow customers with new innovations at Abuja motor fair

“I have friends who are editors. I asked them: are these not the same people that fought with us then? So what has changed?” he queried. “There was a difference between journalists under the military and journalists in a democracy.”

According to him, the perceived silence of journalists on governance issues stems from a “bigger pot” of benefits in the democratic system, compared to the military era when access to power was limited.

He further argued that ethnicity has deepened both politics and journalism, with many unwilling to criticise leaders from their own regions.

“Nigerians don’t hate bad government; they only hate bad government when the president is not from their area,” Amaechi said. “But if he is from their area, he becomes a wonderful man.”

Amaechi stressed the need for citizens to use the ballot to remove non-performing administrations, adding that Nigeria must evolve into a country where everyone can live and thrive anywhere, irrespective of origin.

On insecurity, he blamed rising poverty and lack of economic opportunities.

“If you deny people legitimate means of livelihood, they will create illegitimate means of livelihood,” he warned.

Amaechi denies claims of Lobbying U.S. to influence 2015 elections