Former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned Nigerians that political leaders will not easily relinquish power, warning that many are willing to go to extreme lengths to remain in office.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria—organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja—Amaechi stated that President Bola Tinubu would not hand over power to the younger generation without a struggle.
The former Rivers State Governor stressed that Nigerian politicians are deeply entrenched in power and will do whatever it takes to hold onto it, regardless of public demand for change.
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Citing historical examples from Nigeria and Ghana, the emphasised that true political transitions have often come at a high cost, urging citizens to remain vigilant in the fight for democratic governance.
He said: “None of you here can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you. The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up.
“It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days, many of us were called to intervene. Why? Because the people were ready to die. You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you—not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.
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“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 also shared his experience during the 2015 presidential election.
He attributed the APC’s victory to the party leaders’ unwavering determination to go above and beyond.
Amaechi, a lawyer further explained that President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat because the APC was fully prepared to defend its mandate.
This newspaper learned that this isn’t the first time Amaechi has spoken harshly about politicians, particularly the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In October 2024, Amaechi, who was one of the aspirants vying for the APC presidential ticket, expressed his disappointment with Nigerians for not taking action as the economic hardship deepened under Tinubu’s leadership.
He criticised citizens for remaining passive as the country endured soaring fuel prices and escalating food inflation.
He urged Nigerians not to have allowed politicians to continue their electioneering campaigns while the nation suffered.
In an interview published by ABN TV, the former governor lamented the high cost of living in Nigeria, noting that even he could no longer afford diesel due to the prevailing economic struggles.
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“I’m angry with the citizens. I’ve said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, and you cannot even buy fuel. The people should be angry. There should be protests—not against anyone specifically, but against the politicians, saying ‘we won’t vote.’”
Amaechi emphasised the dire situation, noting that if people like him couldn’t afford basic necessities, the hardships faced by others without children would be unimaginable.
He added, “What this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians stronger, as they now trek because they can’t afford transportation.”
Amaechi’s comments were met with a strong response from the ruling APC, which accused him of being unpatriotic and a key figure in the generational damage to Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement, APC Publicity Secretary Felix Morka condemned Amaechi’s attempt to manipulate Nigerians with false empathy and incitement to violence, calling it hypocritical, provocative, and dangerous.
Morka added that the real frustration Amaechi and his fellow critics, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, feel is not being in power.
He suggested that Amaechi should focus on resolving the challenges in Rivers State, which he once governed, rather than criticising the federal government.
Amaechi’s strained relationship with President Tinubu has been evident for some time, with his absence from Tinubu’s rally at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt fueling speculation.
While the reason for his absence was not disclosed, recently, Chibuike Ikenga, spokesperson for the faction of the Rivers APC led by Tony Okocha, accused Amaechi of working against the president.
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In an interview with Daily Post in January, Ikenga alleged that Amaechi was secretly collaborating with Atiku to unseat President Tinubu, holding covert meetings in Rivers State.
Ikenga claimed that snippets of these meetings revealed Amaechi’s supporters were working with Siminalayi Fubara.
Meanwhile, Okocha, who served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff when he was governor of Rivers State, reiterated in 2023 that the former minister worked against Tinubu and should not be considered for any appointment under the current administration.
Okocha even urged Tinubu to offer the Rivers State ministerial slot to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the FCT Minister.
