Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has reveal a deep-seated frustration and lack of faith in the political system and Nigerians’ engagement in addressing prevalent issues.
Speaking during a lecture organised by The Niche on Thursday, Rotimi Amaechi revealed that he no longer speaks on national issues because Nigerians “are not bothered about anything”.
The former minister expressed cynicism towards Nigerians’ response to politicians’ behavior, highlighting the public’s indifference and tendency to overlook issues.
He criticized the lack of accountability among politicians and the public’s voting patterns, noting that even if politicians make false claims or have discrepancies in their credentials, the public still elects them.
Amaechi said that Nigerians’ resilience despite political and social challenges leads him to question the point of speaking out, as the public chooses whom to believe and vote for, regardless of actions or promises.
He further berated Nigerians for being docile and tolerant of the malfeasance of politicians, choosing to die by suicide rather than confronting their problems and bad politicians.
Rotimi Amechi said, “Why did I decline? Two reasons. My publicist says don’t speak. And I chose to obey my publicist. He is very angry that I’m speaking today.
“What is new to say? Nigerians don’t react to anything. Has any politician told you he is not a thief? Tell me one politician who says he is not a thief. Tell me one. Which politician told you he went to the university? Which politician told you he served in NYSC? Which politician told you he has a certificate? Nigerians know and still vote for them. So what’s your problem? So, I say why should I speak when there is nothing new?
“Instead of Nigerians facing their problems, they are committing suicide. I’m praying for you so that you will continue to commit suicide so that one day I’ll wake up and all of you have died. I can now enjoy the benefits of your death by speaking those things.
“Nigerians chose who to believe and not to believe. They chose who to vote and who not to vote. Even if you go to a Nigerian man’s house and kill his mother, the father will continue his life. Nothing borders you. Nothing. So why do I waste my time?
“What other people resist in Ghana and Kenya, Nigerians say no worry no be four years, him go go. The man wins the second term by crook or magic, they’ll say no be eight years. No be Goodluck and Buhari don go so? Him go soon go.
“Another person will come and repeat the same thing. You will be saying that until the day God will come for those of us who are Christians. So I’ve chosen to be like you; say nothing, hear nothing and do nothing,” Mr Amaechi said.
KanyiDaily recalls that during the general election, Rotimi Amaechi urged his supporters to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) no matter how angry they are.