Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused Nigerian politicians of corruption, violence, and an unrelenting grip on power, blaming citizens for their short memory and lack of action.
Amaechi, who once governed Rivers State, made these remarks during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria. The event, held in Abuja, was organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.
He asserted that politicians in Nigeria are primarily driven by self-interest, engaging in looting, violence, and even murder to maintain control. According to him, the failure of Nigerians to actively protect their votes allows these politicians to continue unchecked.
“Nigerians are unwilling to make sacrifices, not even to defend their votes,” Amaechi stated. “That’s why politicians get away with everything.”
Drawing a comparison with Ghana, he noted that before their last election, Ghanaian citizens were prepared to die for their democracy. In contrast, he argued, Nigerians are more focused on verbal complaints and criticisms without taking meaningful action.
The former minister also took a jab at the country’s leadership, particularly President Bola Tinubu, cautioning that those hoping for positive change under his administration are “wasting their time.” He stressed that the system is structured to keep power in the hands of a select few, making any hope for a dramatic shift unrealistic.
Reflecting on his long political journey, Amaechi revealed that poverty pushed him into politics after completing his university education in 1987. While he acknowledged his deep involvement in the system, he remained critical of its operations.
“Unfortunately, poverty made me a part of this system, but I have seen firsthand that those in power will not simply hand it over,” he said.
Amaechi also recalled his role in challenging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under former President Goodluck Jonathan. He noted that power only changed hands when the opposition demonstrated a willingness to fight for it.
“When Jonathan saw we were ready to die for it, he gave us power,” he recounted.
According to him, Nigerians’ failure to hold politicians accountable has made it easy for them to act with impunity. He criticized the culture of short memories and passive acceptance, arguing that this enables corrupt leaders to thrive.
“We have a habit of forgetting history. That’s why politicians can steal, kill, and still remain in power. If you think Tinubu will willingly give it up, you are wasting your time,” he declared.
Amaechi further shared an experience from his time in the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealing that during protests for the party’s registration, many of those who showed up had been paid. He recalled an instance where women who were hired to demonstrate arrived wearing “Jonathan for President” attire, illustrating how easily people could be swayed by financial incentives.
He concluded by warning Nigerians that real political change would not come from mere discussions or wishful thinking but from active and determined resistance.
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