Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused Nigerian politicians of getting away with corruption, violence, and power retention due to the short memory of the Nigerian people.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, made the statement during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja.
Amaechi claimed that Nigerian politicians are only interested in stealing, maiming, and killing to remain in power.
He pointed out that Nigerians’ lack of collective action and willingness to defend their votes is the reason politicians continue to operate with impunity.
He said that Nigerians are not ready to make any sacrifice, not even to defend their votes.
Amaechi said. “That’s why politicians get away with everything.”
He compared the Nigerian political climate with that of Ghana, where citizens were willing to make sacrifices to protect their democracy.
He said before Ghana’s last election, people were ready to die for their democracy. But in Nigeria, people are only good at talking, abusing everyone, without taking action.
Amaechi also took a shot at Nigerian leaders, particularly President Bola Tinubu, stating that those who expect change from him are “wasting their time.”
He explained that Nigerians must understand the political system is designed to keep the powerful in charge, and anyone hoping for a miracle to bring power to the people will be disappointed.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Amaechi said he has been part of Nigeria’s political system since graduating from university in 1987.
He admitted that poverty drove him into politics but remains critical of how the system operates. “Unfortunately, poverty has made me part of this process, but it has shown me that the ruling party cannot wish me away with APC’s information,” he stated.
Amaechi also recalled his opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under President Goodluck Jonathan.
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