Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor, recently said that he and Sule Lamido would not have accepted the way Nigeria is currently being run if they were still governors.
He shared this during the launch of Lamido’s autobiography, Being True to Myself, in Abuja. Amaechi led the Nigeria Governors Forum during Lamido’s time as Jigawa governor. He said their leadership was bold and always demanded accountability from the federal government.
Speaking at the event, Amaechi said he had asked Lamido earlier in the day if today’s political issues would have happened under their watch. They both agreed it wouldn’t have.
He added that they would have boldly confronted the president and the government, saying they were determined leaders who wanted change. Amaechi also spoke about his past political friendship with Lamido. They worked closely at one point but later disagreed on how to oppose former President Jonathan, which caused them to split.
President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, said he welcomes opposition and free speech in a democratic setting. He added that while he appreciates constructive criticism, he remains focused on doing what is right for Nigeria.
He praised Lamido’s book and said it is an important addition to Nigeria’s political history, highlighting Lamido’s strong values and commitment to democracy.
Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by Professor Attahiru Jega, also spoke at the event. He praised Lamido for being honest in his book and said the story helps people understand Nigeria’s political struggles and Lamido’s personal journey.
During the event, Lamido asked President Tinubu to pay N45 billion allegedly owed to the family of the late MKO Abiola. He said this would help bring closure to the June 12, 1993, election story.
Lamido said that former military leader Ibrahim Babangida told him that the government feared declaring Abiola president because it would mean paying him the money he was owed, which could have caused a financial crisis. Lamido believes Abiola was punished twice—denied the presidency and still unpaid.
He asked the Minister of Information to share this message with President Tinubu.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also spoke at the event. He said Nigeria is still a “work in progress” and that leaders should continue to work hard to improve the country.
Obasanjo recalled how Lamido became foreign minister after the original nominee turned down the role. He shared a story where a British official was surprised that Obasanjo chose Lamido without knowing him personally.
Obasanjo also mentioned that Lamido refused to sign an undated resignation letter, saying he would willingly resign if asked. Obasanjo agreed to this and said Lamido never gave him any problems during his time in office.
Obasanjo praised Lamido for his role in improving Nigeria’s international reputation during a tough period. He said within three years, Nigeria hosted an important international summit attended by the Queen of Britain, which showed progress.
He also praised Lamido’s work as governor of Jigawa and said it was easy to write the foreword for his book because of his performance.
Former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, who reviewed the book, said Lamido should write more books about his time as foreign minister and governor. He believes young leaders can learn from his experience.
Ayu said the book gives an honest view of Nigerian politics and shows that Lamido continues to speak truth to power, even under the current APC-led government, which Lamido described as a disaster.
