A former governor of Rivers State and ex-minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that Nigerian politicians are in power to steal, kill, and retain power.

He also revealed that politicians get away with a lot because the people have a short memory.

Amaechi made this remark at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Monday

He said, “All we hear here is typical Nigeria, and you’re clapping. That’s why politicians get away with anything. They get away with murder because you have a short memory. None of you here can defend the votes. You have complained; Nigerians have been clapping for you.”

Making a reference to President Bola Tinubu, Amaechi stated that nobody in power is ever willing to relinquish such, including himself.

He said, “Before the election of the last president, a lot of us were called to intervene. Why did they do that? The people were ready to die. You’re talking and abusing everybody; nobody has power and will give to you. Not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.

“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, to maim, to kill, and to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time. When we speak, we forget history.”

On his involvement in the political system, Amaechi revealed that it was shaped by poverty and necessity.

“Unfortunately for me, poverty has made me part of the political system since I left university in 1987, and I’ve been part of the process till today,” he noted.

Amaechi added that his years in the political arena, particularly the All Progressives Congress, have made him a key figure that cannot be “wished away.”

“You can’t wish me away in the formation of APC; you certainly can wish me away. You can’t wish me away in how APC won election, you can’t.

“But the truth is that if some of us did not stick out our necks to say PDP, Goodluck, we want to die with you. When they saw that we were ready to die, they gave up power,” he said.

Reflecting on the nature of crowds at political rallies, the former governor revealed that rallies are transactional, and that“if tomorrow Tinubu comes with the same transport money, they will also come.”

Sharing a story from an APC demonstration organised at the Eagles Square in Abuja and “money had been released to bring in some women,” Amaechi recalled how he arrived early to witness the event; however, he saw “the women gathered; guess what they were wearing? ‘Jonathan for President!”