No Nigerian Politician in Power Will Hand Over Easily; They Will Seek to Steal, Maim, Kill to Remain in Power – Amaechi

By Emmanuel Kwada

At the two-day event, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,”  which was organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Westminster Foundation, held in the nation’s capitalf or Democracy (WFD), the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee (NPC).

Speaking as a panellist during a session on the “Impact of democracy on the national economy ,” Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, laid bare the stark realities of Nigerian politics. His remarks underscored a troubling trend of political complacency and the complicity of the electorate in allowing politicians to evade accountability.

the populace has a “short memory,” which he believes enables politicians to manipulate the system without consequence

“Typical Nigeria and you are clapping. That’s why politicians get away with anything,” Amaechi declared, addressing the crowd with a mix of frustration and urgency. He lamented that the populace has a “short memory,” which he believes enables politicians to manipulate the system without consequence.

Amaechi’s speech was not merely a critique of the political class; it was a call to action for Nigerian citizens. “None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you complain, you keep complaining, while Nigerians continue to clap for you,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a more engaged and informed electorate.

None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you complain, you keep complaining, while Nigerians continue to clap for you

He recounted the dramatic political shift in the state of Kano, referencing the circumstances surrounding the election of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau. “The only way Shekarau became governor, do you know why? Because people lined up. When they asked how many people were there, they said about 500,000,” Amaechi said, highlighting the mobilization of citizens who were “ready to die” for their cause.

Amaechi further explained the harsh realities of Nigeria’s political landscape, asserting that “nobody has power and will give it to you.” He dismissed the notion that a politician could come to power purely out of good intentions, asserting that “the politician is there in Nigeria to steal, to maim, to kill, to remain in power.”

Nobody has power and will give it to you

Reflecting on his own political journey, Amaechi shared, “Poverty has made me part of the political system since I left university in 1987. You can’t wish me away in the formation of the APC. You can’t wish me away in how APC won the election.” His experiences serve as a testament to the complexities and challenges that define Nigerian politics.

He recounted a pivotal moment during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing his fear of being sidelined. “I got the party to agree that we will carry out a demonstration. We assembled at Eagle Square. We released some money to bring women, but when I arrived, guess what they were wearing? ‘Jonathan for president’,” he recalled, illustrating the fickle nature of political support and the transactional relationships that often underpin political rallies.

I would have handled the fuel subsidy removal differently if I were president

Amaechi’s remarks culminated in a poignant reflection on the state of democracy in Nigeria, urging citizens to take an active role in shaping their political landscape. “We talk about it, we hold meetings every day, but tomorrow, if Tinubu comes with the same transport plan, they will also come,” he warned, highlighting the need for genuine commitment and accountability from both politicians and the electorate.

On the issue of subsidy removal, Rotimi Amaechi, the former Rivers State governor, says he would have handled the fuel subsidy removal differently if he were president, emphasizing the need for social housing and job creation as measures to cushion the effects. He believes that these measures are essential to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal on the citizens. Amaechi’s comments come as Nigerians are struggling with the aftermath of the subsidy removal, high inflation, and a tough economic climate, with him even calling for protests against the high cost of living.

As the conference concluded, Amaechi’s stark truths resonated with attendees, leaving them to ponder the future of democracy in Nigeria and their role within it. The challenge remains: will citizens rise to the occasion, or will they continue to allow the cycle of complacency to dictate the course of their political destiny?