NaijNaira
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed why he withheld his support from President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.
According to Leadership News, Amaechi made the disclosure during his 60th birthday lecture in Abuja, themed “Weaponisation of Poverty.” The event drew several prominent figures, including Muhammadu Sanusi II, Wole Soyinka, Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, Douye Diri, and Cardinal John Onaiyekan.
In a candid statement, Amaechi said, “I met President Tinubu in Yola and I told him I will not work for you and I will not vote for you. I told him like that.”
He attributed his stance to doubts over Tinubu’s leadership abilities, saying he didn’t see the capacity needed for effective governance.
Amaechi Blames Voters for Nigeria’s Woes
Amaechi also took aim at Nigeria’s political culture, where he believes ethnic and religious sentiments influence electoral outcomes. He argued that this trend is partly responsible for the nation’s stalled development.
“Nigeria is where it is today because many Nigerians have been voting on a religious and ethnic basis,” he said. He expressed concern that the average Nigerian voter has little power once politicians are elected. “When Nigerians protested, the President announced an increase in the price of fuel because they know you cannot do anything.”
Followers, Not Leaders, Are the Problem
While many point fingers at the political elite, Amaechi placed the blame on citizens. According to him, the Nigerian public enables poor governance by failing to demand accountability and focusing only on what they can gain from the system.
He added, “Nigerian leaders and elites are not the problem of Nigeria; the problem of Nigeria is the followers. We just want to feast on the revenue gotten from crude oil. We do not produce anything.”
Disappointment in Leadership and National Unity
Amaechi recalled how a trusted appointee during his time in office failed to meet expectations due to political favoritism. He shared his frustration over the misuse of influence and language politics in leadership positions.
He also pushed back against the idea that Nigerians are deeply divided by religion. “An ordinary northerner who is a Muslim has no problem with the ordinary southerner who is a Christian,” he stated. “We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am.”
