Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has slammed Nigerian politicians for getting away with corruption, violence, and power retention, blaming it on the citizens’ short memory and lack of action. Speaking at a national conference in Abuja, he stated that politicians “steal, maim, and kill” to stay in power because Nigerians refuse to defend their votes. He contrasted this with Ghana, where citizens were willing to risk their lives for democracy, emphasizing that without such commitment, meaningful change in Nigeria remains impossible.
Amaechi also dismissed hopes that President Bola Tinubu would bring about real change, calling it a “waste of time.” He argued that the system is deliberately structured to keep power in the hands of a few, making it unrealistic to expect reforms from within. Reflecting on his political journey, he admitted that poverty pushed him into politics but maintained that the ruling elite manipulates the masses, who are often too distracted or indifferent to resist.
Recalling his battle against the PDP under Goodluck Jonathan, Amaechi claimed the party only handed over power when the opposition showed they were willing to “die for it.” He also revealed how political mobilization in Nigeria is often transactional, recounting an instance where women paid to protest for APC showed up wearing “Jonathan for President”outfits instead. According to him, until Nigerians take collective action rather than just complaining, politicians will continue to exploit the system without consequences.