Our Political Leaders Are Ethnic, Religious Bigots – Amaechi

BY CHINYERE OBIORA – Immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has described Nigeria’s political leaders as unrepentant ethnic and religious bigots with no value addition to the socio-economic growth and development of the country.

Amaechi, who took a swipe at politicians across the board, said it is unfortunate that the political class now rides on the strength of ethnicity and religious inclinations to achieve their aim of winning elections into political offices.

Speaking at The Niche annual lecture in Lagos on Thursday, with the theme: “Why We Stride and Slip: Leadership, Nationalism and the Nigerian Condition,” held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, he lamented that these deceitful and monstrous manipulations readily cause division among the citizens.

According to him; “Most times, we elect those who openly show that they are ethnic leaders and they are there for their ethnic group. Our political elites constantly run to their ethnic bases to provoke ethnic debate each time they fail to win advantages in their struggle for power and privilege at the national level.”

The former Rivers State Governor said Nigeria is in dire need of a leader with a nationalist mindset that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion in governance, lamenting; “I doubt that we have a national leader.”

Further defending his position and calling out his fellow politicians, the former Minister said; “The only person near the figure of nationalism is President Obasanjo. A national leader has the ability to galvanize the totality of a nation around the common national banner.

“Genuine national leadership transcends ethnicity, religion, region, or geography. The truly remarkable leader is the one that rises above these limitations to take the nation to that place where they long for”.

He also bemoaned the docility of Nigerians and their inability to demand good governance, saying; “What is new to say, Nigerians don’t react to anything. Has any politician told you he is not a thief? Which politician told you he went to university? Which politician told you she served in NYSC, and which politician told you he has his certificate?

“Nigerians know and still vote for them, so what is your problem? I say why should I speak when already there’s nothing new? Nigerians choose who to believe and who not to believe, Nigerians choose who to vote and who not to vote.

“Even if you come to a Nigerian man’s house and kill his mother, the father will continue his life. Nothing bothers you, nothing! So, why should I waste my time? I chose not to speak again because there was nothing to say and because Nigerians would do absolutely nothing.

“If you say it’s a lie, line up 10 Nigerians and shoot them tomorrow, nothing will happen. The worst thing about Nigerians is that even if you say you are not committing any crime and they pick you up tomorrow, ‘We said it, he’s a thief,’ Nigerians will join and chorus it and you will go to prison for nothing.”