Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that if he and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, were still in office, they would have actively opposed the current state of governance under President Bola Tinubu.
Amaechi made this remark on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of Lamido’s autobiography, Being True to Myself, held at the NAF Conference Centre. He reflected on their time as governors, emphasizing their boldness in holding the federal government accountable.
“I asked you this morning,” Amaechi said to Lamido during the event, “would what is happening today in Nigerian politics have happened under our watch? You said no — and I agree. We would have challenged the government. We would have challenged the president. That was the kind of radical stance you had. That was how our Governors Forum operated — committed to real change.”
Amaechi, who once chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum while Lamido served his second term, recalled their political alliance and later divergence over strategies during their opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“We were close allies in government,” Amaechi said. “But we had our differences. I wrongly assumed he was just as radical as I was. I leaned on him for tough decisions. The final straw was our decision to oppose Jonathan. We formed a committee to chart a course. Eventually, Lamido left for the SDP. I argued that joining the APC was our best option. He disagreed, and that’s where we parted ways.”
Tinubu Hails Lamido, Reaffirms Openness to Criticism
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Bola Tinubu commended Lamido and his autobiography, describing it as a valuable contribution to Nigeria’s political history.
Tinubu, through Idris, emphasized his belief in inclusive governance and open dialogue. “Constructive criticism is welcome,” he said. “Opposition is part of democracy, and every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, has a voice in national affairs. The president will not be distracted from doing what is right for the country.”
He praised the book as more than a memoir “It is a celebration of a life marked by courage, consistency, and commitment to democracy.”
Jega, Obasanjo, Others Applaud Lamido’s Legacy
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, representing former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, commended Lamido for his honesty and reflective account of his life journey. He said the book offers deep insight into both Lamido’s personal growth and the broader dynamics of Nigerian politics.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also present at the event, described Nigeria as “a work in progress,” urging leaders to stay committed to national development. He recalled appointing Lamido as Foreign Affairs Minister — a decision he initially hadn’t planned — and praised Lamido’s diplomatic work in rebuilding Nigeria’s global image.
“Sule became the face of Nigeria to the world,” Obasanjo said. “His performance as foreign minister and later as governor of Jigawa was impressive. He did a magnificent job and gave me no reason to ever question his loyalty or competence.”
Lamido Calls on Tinubu to Pay Abiola’s N45 Billion Debt
In his speech, Lamido called on President Tinubu to settle the alleged N45 billion debt owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the federal government for contracts carried out by his company, International Telephone and Telecommunications (ITT).
He urged the administration to build on former President Muhammadu Buhari’s recognition of Abiola as the rightful winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
“Let’s close the chapter of June 12,” Lamido said. “President Babangida told me himself that Abiola was owed N45 billion. He wasn’t just denied the presidency — he’s still being denied justice.”
He directed his appeal to Mohammed Idris, representing Tinubu at the event, asking him to relay the message directly to the president.
Ayu: Lamido Called APC Era a Disaster
Former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, who reviewed the book, encouraged Lamido to write additional volumes, particularly on his time as Foreign Affairs Minister and his tenure as Jigawa Governor.
He described the book as an unflinching critique of contemporary politics and praised Lamido’s unwavering commitment to democratic values.
“Lamido calls the APC era a disaster,” Ayu noted. “He continues to speak truth to power, not just in public but even in private conversations with those in authority.”
