By Divine Sam

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing his administration of imposing multiple taxes on Nigerians despite increasing the national minimum wage to N70,000.

Amaechi argued that the financial relief expected from the wage increase was being undermined by what he described as numerous tax burdens introduced by the Federal Government.

The former Rivers State governor made the remarks on Friday during an interview with News Central TV, where he expressed concern over the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, the government was taking back through taxation much of the additional income workers were expected to enjoy from the minimum wage increase.

“President increases your wages to N70,000 and takes it away through the back from the numerous taxes he has introduced, not just one. So you are taxing dying men, Nigerians are dying.

“You need to first of all put enough money in their hands, I’m told by my team that N70,000 will buy 50 liters of fuel, please tell me where 50 liters can take you to, Ibadan?

“I will be surprised and shocked if you vote for Tinubu. In this battle if you are neutral, you are on the side of Tinubu.”

Amaechi also questioned the purchasing power of the N70,000 minimum wage, using the cost of petrol to illustrate what he considered the limited value of workers’ earnings.

He further expressed surprise at the possibility of Nigerians supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, urging citizens to take a position on the political contest.