- Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi condemns Nigerian politicians, claiming they are in power to steal, kill, and retain their positions, reflecting on the nation's corrupt system
- Amaechi discusses his pivotal role in forming the APC, noting his sacrifices in politics and highlighting the transactional nature of political rallies in Nigeria
- Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar share insights into the corrupt political practices in Nigeria, with both leaders discussing the transactional nature of rallies and public support
A former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the state of Nigerian politics, declaring that politicians in the country are primarily in power to steal, kill, and retain their positions.
Amaechi made these remarks at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, which was held earlier this week to discuss ways to improve governance and political integrity in the country.
During his speech, Amaechi expressed frustration with the Nigerian political system, pointing out the apathy and short-term memory of the populace, which allows politicians to get away with corruption and malpractice.
“All we hear here is typical Nigeria, and you’re clapping. That’s why politicians get away with anything. They get away with murder because you have a short memory. None of you here can defend the votes. You have complained; Nigerians have been clapping for you,” he said.
Amaechi also suggested that the current political climate under President Bola Tinubu would not change. He further alluded to the fact that many Nigerians tend to forget the history of past political mistakes.
Reflecting on the pre-election period of the last presidential election, Amaechi shared that many people were ready to risk their lives for a change, but little has changed after the election.
“Before the election of the last president, a lot of us were called to intervene. Why did they do that? The people were ready to die. You’re talking and abusing everybody; nobody has power and will give to you. Not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one,” Amaechi remarked, reinforcing his belief that politicians are in it for personal gain.
Amaechi’s comments also turned inward, as he reflected on his own political journey. He admitted that his involvement in the political system had been driven by poverty, which led him to enter politics soon after graduating from university in 1987.
Despite the personal cost, he has remained deeply embedded in the political process ever since. He stressed that his presence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot be ignored, as he played a significant role in its formation and election victories.
“You can’t wish me away in the formation of APC; you certainly can’t. But the truth is that if some of us did not stick out our necks to say PDP, Goodluck, we want to die with you, when they saw that we were ready to die, they gave up power,” Amaechi explained, highlighting his key role in APC’s emergence.
He also discussed the transactional nature of political rallies in Nigeria, recalling an incident in Lagos where he was told that attendees were paid to participate. He recounted a similar experience at an APC rally at Eagles Square in Abuja, where women were paid to attend but were seen wearing clothes supporting the then-opposing candidate, Goodluck Jonathan. Amaechi’s story highlighted the ways in which political events are often orchestrated with financial incentives rather than genuine public support.
In response to Amaechi’s comments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar shared his own anecdote from his time as governor of Rivers State.
He recalled how a rally that appeared successful initially quickly lost its crowd when it was revealed that people were only paid for a short time and left after the payment expired. Atiku’s reflection further emphasized the transactional nature of politics in Nigeria.
10 Nigerian politicians who resigned from office
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that in Nigerian politics, resignations from high office were a rare occurrence, often signalling significant shifts or crises within the government.
Unlike their counterparts in other climes, Nigerian politicians typically resign either to seek another position within the government or in response to scandals that jeopardise their public reputation. This makes the instances of resignation particularly notable.
