Abuja, Nigeria – On May 31, 2025, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and two-term Governor of Rivers State, celebrated his 60th birthday with a thought-provoking book launch and lecture at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel. The event, themed “The Weaponization of Poverty as a Means of Underdevelopment: A Case Study of Nigeria,” drew a distinguished array of political leaders, intellectuals, and stakeholders, underscoring Amaechi’s enduring influence in Nigerian politics.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of a book, details of which were not disclosed in public announcements but described as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s socio-political discourse. The lecture, delivered by prominent figures including Emir Sanusi Lamido and Professor Wole Soyinka, explored the systemic use of poverty as a tool to hinder Nigeria’s progress. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a key speaker, delivered a powerful statement, declaring, “Poverty is not just mismanagement or a crime — it is blasphemy. A sabotage of God’s will on earth.” His words resonated deeply, framing poverty as a deliberate barrier to national development.
The event was not only a celebration of Amaechi’s milestone but also a platform for critical reflection on Nigeria’s challenges. Attendees, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other notable figures, praised Amaechi’s legacy of public service. As Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Amaechi spearheaded transformative infrastructure projects, notably in rail transport during his eight-year tenure as Transportation Minister under President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, the event was not without political undertones. Amaechi, a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, used the platform to reiterate his stance against the current government, revealing he had previously told Tinubu he would neither support nor vote for him due to concerns over leadership capacity. His remarks sparked discussions, with some stakeholders viewing them as a bold call for accountability, while others, including the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, condemned them as inciting.
The celebration concluded with the cutting of a 60th birthday cake, symbolizing both a personal milestone and Amaechi’s continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. His recent academic achievement—a Master of Laws in International Corporate and Commercial Law from King’s College, London—further highlighted his commitment to personal growth, earning commendations from peers like Atiku, who described him as a “thoroughbred statesman.”
For stakeholders, Amaechi’s 60th birthday event was a reminder of the intersection between leadership, intellectual discourse, and the urgent need to address systemic issues like poverty. As Nigeria navigates its complex political and economic challenges, Amaechi’s call for citizens to demand accountability from leaders reverberates as a rallying cry for change.
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