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Amaechi Criticizes Nigerian Politics, Claims Politicians “Steal, Kill, and Retain Power”

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport, has made a bold statement about the state of Nigerian politics, declaring that politicians in the country are primarily in power to “steal, kill, and retain power.”

Amaechi’s remarks were made during his speech at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held earlier this week. The conference aimed to explore pathways to good governance and political integrity in the country.

During his address, Amaechi criticized the Nigerian public’s tendency to forget past political misdeeds, suggesting that this collective amnesia enables politicians to get away with significant wrongdoings.

He remarked, “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.”

Amaechi went further to criticize the current political climate under President Bola Tinubu, indicating that the situation is unlikely to change.

“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,” he said, pointing out the inherent challenges in Nigerian politics.

In a stark declaration, he said, “The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, to maim, to kill, and to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time. When we speak, we forget history.” His words painted a grim picture of the political system, which he believes has been shaped by self-interest and power struggles.

Reflecting on his own journey in Nigerian politics, Amaechi described how poverty played a pivotal role in his entry into the political sphere. “Unfortunately for me, poverty has made me part of the political system since I left university in 1987, and I’ve been part of the process till today,” he revealed.

Amaechi, who played a significant role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also highlighted his influence within the party, stating, “You can’t wish me away in the formation of APC; you certainly can wish me away. You can’t wish me away in how APC won election, you can’t.”

Amaechi Criticizes Nigerian Politics, Claims Politicians "Steal, Kill, and Retain Power"

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He credited his dedication to the party as a key factor in its success, mentioning 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.”

Further illustrating the transactional nature of Nigerian political rallies, Amaechi recounted a conversation where someone informed him that people attending a rally were paid to do so, adding, “if tomorrow Tinubu comes with the same transport money, they will also come.”

He also shared a revealing story from an APC demonstration at the Eagles Square in Abuja, where money had been allocated to bring in women for the event. Amaechi noted, “Guess what they were wearing? ‘Jonathan for President!’”—a revealing anecdote highlighting the pragmatism of some political supporters.

In response to Amaechi’s statements, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar shared a similar experience, recounting an instance when a rally organized by former Governor Peter Odili saw the stadium filled to capacity, only for the crowd to disperse before the rally ended.

“I asked what happened; he said they paid for only two hours,” Abubakar shared, highlighting the transactional nature of some political demonstrations in Nigeria.

Amaechi’s remarks offer a sharp critique of Nigeria’s political landscape, touching on themes of corruption, the cycle of power, and the influence of money in politics.

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