Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has once again unsettled the political landscape with his unfiltered truth—a rare feat in Nigeria’s political space, where deception is often mistaken for wisdom. In a country where doublespeak thrives, Amaechi remains unapologetically blunt, exposing the realities of power, governance, and the desperation of politicians to cling to authority at all costs.
His latest outburst came on January 30 at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja. Speaking before an audience that included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Amaechi did not mince words.
> “Nobody has power and will give it to you—not even me… The politician in Nigeria is there to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi declared, emphasizing the need for vigilance and sacrifice in reclaiming the country’s democratic future.
This wasn’t the first time Amaechi would challenge Nigerians to take their political destiny into their own hands.
At TheNiche Annual Lecture in Lagos on October 28, 2023, Amaechi condemned Nigerians’ docility and acceptance of political impunity, holding them partly responsible for the corruption and lawlessness of their leaders.
> “Nigerians don’t react to anything. Has any politician told you he is not a thief? Which politician told you he went to university? Which politician told you she served in NYSC? Which politician told you he has his certificate? Nigerians know and still vote for them… Even if you come to a Nigerian’s house and kill his mother, the father will continue with his life. So why should I waste my time?”
His frustration with the people’s indifference to governance is not new. As far back as December 15, 2013, at an event honoring Nelson Mandela in Lagos, Amaechi openly challenged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable, famously remarking that political office holders loot public funds because citizens do not demand justice.
Amaechi’s unwavering stance on Nigeria’s political corruption is not just rhetoric—it is informed by years of experience in the corridors of power. As a former Speaker, Governor, and Minister, he has seen firsthand how elections are manipulated, deals are struck in smoke-filled rooms, and the will of the people is often trampled upon. This deep insider knowledge makes his words more than just political grandstanding.
The Tinubu administration’s aggressive response to his comments speaks volumes. While many politicians spoke at the Abuja event, Amaechi’s words hit a nerve. The government’s harsh rebuttal is an attempt to silence an inconvenient truth—he is exposing the rot within, and they know he speaks from a position of knowledge.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, swiftly rebuked Amaechi, labeling his remarks as reckless, dangerous, and inflammatory—a typical reaction from a government unwilling to confront its own failings. But Amaechi’s track record of bold political statements and fearless advocacy suggests he will not be intimidated.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, his words should serve as a wake-up call for citizens. The struggle for power in Nigeria has never been about service; it has always been about self-preservation and control. If Nigerians truly desire change, they must heed Amaechi’s advice: Power is never given; it is taken.
Amaechi’s warning is both a revelation and a challenge. He is telling Nigerians, in no uncertain terms, that if they continue to remain passive, the same cycle of corruption, electoral fraud, and bad governance will persist.
The question is: Will Nigerians rise to the occasion, or will they continue to be spectators in their own democracy?
PIONEER NEWS 