Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed frustration with the general public’s apparent passivity in the face of severe economic hardship.

In an interview with ABN TV, former Rivers State governor questioned why Nigerians are not more vocal in their outrage, pointing to rising costs and the inability of many to afford basic necessities such as fuel.

“I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything,” he stated.

Drawing attention to Edo State, Ameachi remarked on the ongoing political campaigns and questioned the rationale behind them, given the economic challenges the people are enduring. “Look at what happened in Edo State. Should any politician be campaigning in Edo?” he asked, adding that the citizens should be taking stronger stances against the political class. “The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’. There won’t be any election in our state.”

He emphasised that Nigerians should rise and send a clear message, not through violence, but by withholding their participation in elections until their needs are prioritized. “That is what people should be saying. The rate of hunger now… if people like us cannot afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to those who do not have children like us.”

In a biting comment on the country’s declining economic situation, Amaechi said, “Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.” He added, perhaps with irony, “And you know walking helps the heart.”

Despite his clear frustration with the current state of affairs, the figure stopped short of declaring a political stance, concluding, “I am not interested in politics…I will discuss politics at the right time.”