Former Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has issued a stirring call to Nigerians, urging citizens to take charge of governance and resist any form of electoral manipulation or government inaction. Speaking at a recent civic engagement event, Amaechi emphasized that meaningful reforms cannot be handed down by government officials alone, but require active citizen participation.
Amaechi criticized the current state of governance in Nigeria, describing it as intellectually challenged and plagued by lack of accountability. According to him, laws exist, but the rule of law is missing, allowing politicians and contractors to exploit the system while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer hunger and deprivation.
“If you are waiting for government to make any reform, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi told the audience. “Citizens’ action is necessary. Don’t wait for those who say they want change. Only active participation can hold leaders accountable and bring about real reform.”
He also lamented the absence of key political figures at the event, questioning how reforms could be achieved if crucial stakeholders are not engaged. Amaechi recalled his days as a student leader in the 1980s, noting that student and citizen action was the driving force behind change, a principle he says applies to Nigeria today.
Amaechi warned that the Nigerian political system continues to favor those aligned with the government, enabling unchecked corruption and electoral malpractice. He urged citizens to resist manipulation before and after elections to ensure that votes truly count, pointing to past examples in Lagos where citizens successfully defended electoral outcomes.
Highlighting the disconnect between politicians and the Nigerian populace, Amaechi stated that while a few politicians and contractors enrich themselves, the majority of Nigerians continue to face hunger and economic hardship. He stressed that citizens must unite to challenge these inequities and demand transparency in governance.
“Stop electing people you cannot hold accountable,” he added. “Only by resisting those who attempt to undermine elections and by holding leaders responsible can Nigerians achieve the reform they deserve.”
Amaechi’s remarks resonated with the theme of citizens’ responsibility in democratic governance, urging Nigerians to act collectively rather than rely solely on the government for change. His call to action underlines the urgent need for electoral reforms, government accountability, and active citizen engagement as Nigeria approaches future elections.
This speech has already sparked discussions across social media platforms, with many echoing Amaechi’s call for a more proactive, vigilant citizenry in Nigeria’s democratic process.
