Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has delivered a scathing critique of Nigerian citizens, accusing them of complicity in the country’s endemic corruption by lingering around politicians to benefit from stolen resources.
Speaking at his 60th birthday lecture in Abuja, Amaechi expressed deep shame over Nigeria’s lack of progress, attributing much of the nation’s woes to the symbiotic relationship between corrupt politicians and citizens who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the public good. He lamented that many Nigerians crowd around political figures not out of patriotism but to partake in looting and self-enrichment.
Amaechi also highlighted the broader political crisis, noting that politicians are primarily interested in stealing, killing, and retaining power. He urged Nigerians to be more discerning and to reject the culture of impunity that allows “urban bandits” in leadership to thrive.
In a related call, Amaechi, alongside opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, emphasized the need for unity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which they described as a government of “bandits.” They urged Nigerians to mobilize for change in the 2027 elections to restore accountability and good governance.
Amaechi’s remarks underscore a growing frustration with Nigeria’s political elite and the public’s role in enabling systemic corruption, calling for a collective awakening and commitment to genuine reform.
