Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, is frustrated with Nigerians for not taking a stronger stance against politicians amidst the severe economic hardship.
In an interview with ABN TV, he expressed his disappointment, citing rising costs and the inability of many to afford basic necessities like fuel. “I’m angry with the citizens… You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything,” he stated.
Amaechi pointed to Edo State, where political campaigns are ongoing despite the economic challenges, and questioned the rationale behind them.
He believes citizens should be protesting against politicians, not with violence, but by withholding their votes until their needs are prioritized.
“The people should be angry… There should be protests… Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’. There won’t be any election in our state”.
He emphasized the dire situation, saying, “The rate of hunger now… if people like us cannot afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to those who do not have children like us.” Amaechi also commented on the country’s economic decline, saying the government has made Nigerians “strong” by forcing them to trek, adding that “walking helps the heart” with a hint of irony.
Interestingly, his comments come after thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in August to protest against bad governance, corruption, soaring inflation, and the rising cost of living. The protests demanded a total overhaul of the Nigerian system and the reversal of economic policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu with some calling for the president’s resignation.
