Rotimi Amaechi Warns Nigerian Politicians Will Keep Stealing Unless Citizens Demand Accountability
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has warned that Nigerian politicians will continue to loot public funds unless citizens demand accountability and good governance.
Speaking in a recent interview, Amaechi recalled a similar remark he made while serving as Governor of Rivers State during an event organised by Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. He said, “As a governor of Rivers State at Freedom House in a ceremony organised by Prof Wole Soyinka, I told Nigerians that we, the politicians, will not stop stealing if Nigerians don’t stone us.”
Amaechi stressed that the political class is impoverishing Nigerians, noting that while some governors have made positive contributions, overall governance is deteriorating.
The former minister, who is seeking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections, described himself as the most qualified and electable aspirant in the party.
He pointed to his leadership record — former Governor of Rivers State, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and former Minister of Transportation — as evidence that he is ready for national leadership.
When asked why the ADC should choose him over other contenders such as former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar and former Northern Nigeria Development Company boss Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen, Amaechi said his extensive experience gives him a clear advantage.
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