Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused Nigeria’s political elite of deliberately impoverishing Nigerians while enriching themselves, insisting that his record in public office sets him apart from many politicians.
Amaechi made the remarks during an interview with journalist Chude Jideonwo on a recent episode of the #WithChude show on YouTube.
Speaking on corruption, governance, and his political journey, Amaechi disclosed that many politicians had failed to invest public resources in ways that create wealth and improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“The politicians have deliberately impoverished and misled Nigerians in such a way that they make you think the way they want you to think,” he said.
Amaechi argued that Nigeria’s economic challenges stem largely from poor leadership and the diversion of resources that should have been invested in productive sectors.
“The irresponsibility of Nigerian politicians is the fact that the funds are rather stolen than invested to create wealth. Instead of creating wealth, we are creating poverty,” he stated.
Amaechi emphasised that he had distinguished himself throughout his years in public service and challenged critics to assess his record as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor, and minister.
“I am different from other politicians. Judge me by my role as governor and see whether I am not different,” he said.
He also reflected on his humble upbringing, saying his experiences with poverty shaped his approach to governance and his concern for ordinary Nigerians. “I have always been a poor man, so I know what it is not to have a plate of food on your table. I know what it is to see my parents crying quietly.”
On Nigeria’s political landscape, the former Rivers State governor dismissed claims that political parties in the country operate on ideological principles.
“There is no party with ideology in Nigeria,” he said, arguing that politicians often shift positions based on political convenience rather than conviction.
Amaechi also recounted a private conversation he had with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari during his tenure as Minister of Transportation. According to him, Buhari acknowledged the challenges of governing under a democratic system compared with his time as military head of state.
The former minister, however, defended aspects of the Buhari administration, citing progress in infrastructure projects, particularly in rail transportation, roads, and water resources. “You can’t say Buhari failed because there was progress on the side of the roads, rails, and the Ministry of Water Resources.”
On the current administration, Amaechi criticised President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the government had not delivered sufficient results despite major policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy. “There is nothing Tinubu has done successfully,” he asserted.
Amaechi further declared that if elected president, 50 per cent of his cabinet would be made up of young Nigerians.
“If I become president, 50 per cent of my cabinet would be made up of youths,” he noted, adding that leadership competence should not be judged by age or gender.
The former presidential aspirant also spoke about his relationships with several political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as a patriot despite being one of his strongest critics.
“I like Obasanjo a lot and he knows that. I am also one of his worst critics,” he affirmed.
Amaechi equally reflected on his interactions with the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, offering personal insights into their relationships over the years.
Expressing confidence in his leadership abilities, he insisted that Nigerians would not be facing the level of hardship currently being experienced if he were president.
“I would not be suffering what President Tinubu is suffering if I were president, because people would not be dying of hunger,” he stressed, maintaining that he is the best.
