“As Minister He Took Jobs Meant for Rivers People and Gave Them to His Girlfriends” — PANDEF Leader Sara-Igbe Criticises Amaechi

Anabs Sara-Igbe, a senior figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has criticised Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, over his record in public office and alleged mismanagement of opportunities intended for Rivers State residents.

In an interview with SYMFONI, Sara-Igbe questioned Amaechi’s contributions to the Niger Delta despite holding key positions, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation.

Sara-Igbe accused Amaechi of diverting jobs meant for Rivers people to friends and romantic partners, saying the actions undermined his support base in the region. He pointed to a recent attack in Amaechi’s hometown as evidence of weak grassroots backing.

“If Amaechi was truly on the ground in his village, such an incident would not have occurred. Communities defend leaders they feel have empowered them. This attack shows he lacks that support,” Sara-Igbe said, also criticising local authorities for not condemning the incident.

He further questioned Amaechi’s record as Minister of Transportation, highlighting the lack of rail infrastructure connecting the Niger Delta to the rest of the country, despite a railway project extending to Niger Republic.

Sara-Igbe suggested that these factors could limit Amaechi’s political prospects should he pursue the presidency. “I am not stopping him from contesting, but he will not get the support of the Niger Delta. Many leaders in the region remain dissatisfied with his record,” he said.

On broader regional issues, Sara-Igbe addressed political tensions in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Wike, urging that reconciliation efforts address local concerns.

He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a qualified Niger Delta professional to lead the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, citing declining oil production and refinery challenges as urgent economic risks.