If you think Tinubu will give power to you, you are wasting your time, Rotimi Amaechi tells Nigerians
By OUR REPORTER, Abuja
The Buhari’s magic wand for the restoration of global standard railways in Africa’s largest economy only, however, replicated same Tinubu’s known statement under past administration that power is not served a La Carte but that it must be fought for, grabbed and taken away.
Former Rivers State Governor and erstwhile Minister of Transportation during the Muhammadu Buhari immediate past civilian Administration, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not cede power to the younger generation without a fight.
Amaechi stated this as some members of the Nigerian establishment, yearning for a better change to finally out the country and its people on a safer and more reliable pedestal from the current “directionless” situation, gathered at a conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja to chart a new course for progress.
The Buhari’s magic wand for the restoration of global standard railways in Africa’s largest economy only, however, replicated same Tinubu’s known statement under past administration that power is not served a La Carte but that it must be fought for, grabbed and taken away.
Amaechi as Buhari’s Minister of Transportation built from scratch the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-Agbor-Itakpe Railways with modern coaches installed and had commenced plans for an extension from Ibadan to Kano before his resignation against of 2023 election thinking he would succeed his boss.
Because of power play influenced by a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), believed was influenced by Tinubu’s alleged dollar-money and President Buhari’s refusal to get involved, Amaechi, the Dan Amana of Daura, was schemed out for Emi Lokan to have his way albeit controversial process.
To take the power back from him (Tinubu), Nigerians, especially the youths, must fight for it as he will not relinquish it at ease, the former Rivers State Governor opened the eyes of the people to what should be done.
At the Abuja national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Amaechi said:
“None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you. The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up.
“It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days later, a lot of us were called to intervene. But why did they do that? The people were ready to die.
“You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you — not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.
“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi gingered Nigerians, who genuinely feel a better country is required, to stand up for true democracy in 2027.
He spoke in the presence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) among several other notable political leaders in the country.
In October 2024, Amaechi said he was disappointed in Nigerians for their laid-back disposition to the prevailing economic hardship.
“The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’,” he had said.
The ruling APC had clapped back at Amaechi, saying he was one of those who destroyed Nigeria.
