Oshiomhole Explodes: Amaechi Built Railway for Niger Republic, Abandoned His Own State

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has launched a fierce criticism of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of making “terrible” decisions that undermined national priorities and neglected the development needs of his own state.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Oshiomhole said Amaechi repeatedly demonstrated poor judgment during his tenure, starting from his time as Rivers State governor to his role in the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He recalled the prolonged shutdown of the Rivers State judiciary under Amaechi’s watch, alleging that the former governor crippled the system for nearly two years after failing to install his preferred candidate as chief judge. According to him, such conduct reflected a deeper pattern of governance marked by personal interest and inflexibility.

Turning to Amaechi’s performance as minister, Oshiomhole criticised his handling of the railway sector, arguing that the former minister failed to prioritise projects that aligned with Nigeria’s economic needs. He condemned Amaechi’s decision to pursue a railway line into Niger Republic instead of strengthening rail infrastructure in strategic localities such as Port Harcourt or Kano.

Oshiomhole questioned the rationale behind building a cross-border rail line while ignoring regions with higher commercial significance, asking, “Which goods are we sending to Niger Republic?”

He also defended former President Muhammadu Buhari, insisting that Buhari granted his ministers full autonomy to deliver on their portfolios. Oshiomhole argued that the failures recorded under Amaechi’s leadership could not be blamed on presidential interference but on poor ministerial choices.

The remarks have added fuel to ongoing political tensions, as Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant and influential APC figure, has increasingly become the target of internal criticism following the end of Buhari’s administration.

Oshiomhole’s comments are already stirring reactions across political blocs, especially among stakeholders in Rivers and the wider South-South region, where Amaechi’s legacy remains hotly contested.