Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed how he almost died while mobilizing against former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 election campaign.
Speaking as a guest at the ninth edition of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation Annual Leadership Discourse in Lagos, Amaechi shared the dangerous situations he encountered in his political journey.
The event, which focused on “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” gave Amaechi a platform to discuss his decision to oppose Jonathan and the many risks he faced in doing so.
Amaechi recounted how, as governor, he disagreed with Jonathan’s leadership style, which he felt contributed to rising economic challenges, particularly the increasing value of the dollar against the naira.
His opposition played a crucial role in Jonathan’s loss to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
Amaechi explained that, although some believed Jonathan’s leadership was better than Buhari’s, he could not overlook the deteriorating economic conditions at the time.
The former governor also shared several life-threatening experiences while opposing Jonathan’s administration.
He recalled an incident when soldiers tried to stop him from entering Ekiti, and despite being advised to turn back, he insisted on going.
He was faced with soldiers who warned him that traveling after dark could cost him his life.
At one point, a soldier even told him that while he was disobeying orders, he would help him escape danger.
In another tense situation, Amaechi detailed how he was detained at Kano Airport after an “order from above” prevented him from leaving.
After multiple obstacles, including being unable to board a commercial flight, Amaechi finally managed to leave the airport, only to face more delays.
He eventually made it out of Kano with the help of security forces who advised him to leave immediately for his safety.
Leave a Reply