Rotimi Amaechi Joins “Occupy NASS” Protest, Says Nigerians Better Off Under Buhari
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi made a surprise appearance at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, joining hundreds of youths in the “Occupy NASS” protest. Addressing the crowd, Amaechi argued that the quality of life for the average Nigerian has plummeted under the current administration compared to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The protest, which has entered its second day, was sparked by the Senate’s recent amendment to the Electoral Act, specifically the removal of a mandate for real-time electronic transmission of election results. Amaechi, a founding member of the APC, did not hold back in his assessment of the country’s economic direction.
“Is life easier now than when I was in the APC? Life is worse now than during the time of former President Buhari. Even though we were planning to remove subsidy,” Amaechi said, highlighting the severe inflation and cost-of-living crisis currently gripping the nation.
He noted that while the previous government faced its own challenges, the current “regression” has made basic survival difficult for many families. His presence at the barricades alongside opposition figures signals a significant rift within the political elite over the handling of the economy.
Beyond economic grievances, Amaechi’s primary reason for joining the demonstration was to support the demand for greater electoral transparency. He argued that without mandatory electronic transmission, the 2027 elections would be vulnerable to the same manual manipulations that have marred previous cycles.
The former governor’s remarks resonated with the protesters, many of whom have been camping near the National Assembly gates since Monday. They are calling for the Senate to rescind its decision and ensure that technology is used to safeguard every vote.
As the protest gains momentum, Amaechi’s comments have added fuel to the national debate over whether the current administration’s “bold reforms” are doing more harm than good for the ordinary citizen.
