Nigerian Politicians Would Rather Kill Than Let Go Of Power – Rotimi Amaechi

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly criticised Nigerian politicians, stating that they would rather kill than relinquish power.
Amaechi spoke at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Amaechi, Nigerians have short memories, which enables politicians to stample on them and “get away with murder.”
He emphasised that none of the attendees at the conference could defend their votes, and that complaints would only be met with applause from Nigerians.
He said, “All we have here are typical Nigerians. That’s why politicians get away with murder because you have short memory. None of you here seated can defend the votes”.
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Amaechi noted that the only way to effect change is through collective action, citing the example of former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, who became governor because people lined up to support him.
Amaechi also shared a personal anecdote about being part of the political system since 1987, stating that “poverty has made me to be part of the political system.” He highlighted his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its election victories, but emphasised that true power lies with the people, not politicians.
“When we speak, we forget history. Unfortunately for me, poverty has made me to be part of the political system since when I left University. I left the university in 1987 and I have been part of the process till today. You can’t wish me away in the formation of APC, you certainly can’t wish me away. You can’t wish me away in how APC won election, you can’t. But the truth is if some of us did not stick with our neck to say PDP, Goodluck we want to die with you. When they saw that we were ready to die, what did they do? They gave up power.”
In a further indictment of Nigerian politicians, Amaechi declared, “The politicians are there in Nigeria to steal, to maim, to kill to remain in power.”
He warned that relying on President Bola Tinubu or any other politician to bring about change is futile.
“Two days to the last presidential election, a lot of us were called to intervene but why did they do that? Because people were ready to die. You’re here talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you. Nobody, not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one. The politicians are there in Nigeria to steal, to maim, to kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time.”

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.