Rotimi Amaechi on Nigerian Politics: A Harsh Reality Check
Former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has said politicians are driven by the desire to steal, manipulate and hold on to power.
He made this statement at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria where he challenged Nigerians to reflect on governance and political accountability in the country.
Amaechi, who has held many political offices over the years, said Nigerians have short memory when it comes to holding politicians accountable.
According to him, this collective amnesia allows leaders to get away with impunity.
He said despite public complaints, Nigerians fail to defend their votes and instead celebrate political jamboree without demanding real change.
Amaechi spoke further, referencing President Bola Tinubu, that the current system will not change.
He said those hoping for a leader with moral integrity will be disappointed, saying politics in Nigeria is not about service but about personal gain and power retention.
Speaking on his own political journey, Amaechi said he was pushed into politics shortly after graduating from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987 because of poverty.
His experience, he said has given him deep understanding of Nigerian politics.
He also said his role in the formation and success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot be ignored.
He also spoke on the transactional nature of Nigerian politics, recalling instances where party supporters were paid to attend rallies.
He said in Lagos, a participant openly said people would show up for any political rally as long as they were paid.
He also recalled how during an APC rally at Eagle Square, Abuja, a group of women hired for the event showed up wearing campaign shirts of former President Goodluck Jonathan, showing the extent of political mercenaries in the system.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President responded to Amaechi’s comments saying he had his own experience from a past political rally.
He said a stadium once filled with supporters emptied out before the rally ended and later found out that the attendees were paid for two hours.
Amaechi’s statement has again raised questions about the sincerity of Nigerian politicians and the role of the electorate in sustaining the system.
His blunt talk is a reminder that without real political consciousness and accountability, the cycle of corruption and power struggle will continue to be the order of the day in Nigerian politics.
Source: The Punch.