Human rights advocate and politician Omoyele Sowore has criticized former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi for his recent assertion that, if elected president, he could eradicate corruption in Nigeria in just one month.
The remarks were made at a lecture on X Space by Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He maintained that his political will and leadership style would be adequate to quickly eradicate corruption.
But Sowore brushed the remark aside as impossible and hypocritical, citing Amaechi’s lengthy political experience as proof that his pledge was untrustworthy. Sowore charged Amaechi with political trickery in a video that was uploaded to SaharaReporters, saying:
Amaechi promised to eradicate corruption within a month. Amaechi has served as Speaker for eight years and Governor for eight years, for a total of sixteen years. He served as Minister for eight years, for a total of 24 years. What would you think if you took 24 out of 60? A fool at forty is a fool forever.
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Sowore contended that Amaechi had plenty of opportunity to fight corruption after decades in positions of considerable authority, but he fell short. He said such last-minute campaign pledges were a betrayal of Nigerians’ intelligence.
The former presidential contender also emphasized the importance of being vigilant and exercising critical thinking, warning young Nigerians not to believe political rhetoric at face value. He underlined that the political system in Nigeria had continuously replaced leaders who contributed to the issue rather than solving it.
They’re all lying to you. Although we have options and will take part, we are not restricted to any one of them because we are short on time,” Sowore stated.
Additionally, he bemoaned the short window of time that young people have to take control of the nation’s future and urged them to take use of it. According to Sowore, young people in Nigeria are being prematurely aged by the country’s severe socioeconomic environment.
“Time is running out.” You may be young today, but you won’t remain that way forever. I’m 54 years old, and other Nigerian youths tell me they’re 24. I inquire whether we’re the same age. They no longer appear their age because of the system,” he continued.
Many Nigerians are now doubting the legitimacy of political pledges made by long-serving public officials in response to Sowore’s comments, which have generated new internet discussion.
