Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, has expressed deep frustration over what he views as a lack of public response to Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, particularly among the youth.
In a candid interview with Igbere TV, Amaechi questioned why Nigerians have not taken to the streets to protest against the rising cost of living and economic hardship.
The former minister did not mince words in his criticism of the public’s perceived apathy, urging Nigerians to be more vocal and proactive about the economic challenges they face. “People should be angry because you cannot watch a group of people stealing your money without reacting. I am really angry with the citizens because they are doing nothing,” Amaechi said.
He highlighted the severe inflation, particularly the soaring prices of essential goods and energy, as key indicators of the economic strain. Amaechi singled out the high cost of diesel as a glaring example of the current hardship, lamenting that even some former government officials, like himself, now struggle to afford basic necessities.
“Look at what happened in Edo State. Should any politician even be campaigning there? Some of us can’t afford to buy diesel anymore because it’s too expensive,” he added, expressing disbelief at the public’s tolerance of the situation.
Amaechi, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for almost eight years, voiced disappointment in the youth, whom he expected to take the lead in demanding change. “I expected youths to storm the streets in protest against the high cost of living, but there has been no serious action,” he declared.
Watch the video below;
https://x.com/Peoplesbox/status/1844055434157752384?t=mkgTs_8NiEgHKoPb7LLmKA&s=19
His remarks come as Nigerians continue to grapple with the impact of subsidy removal, inflation, and a tough economic climate that has left many struggling to meet basic needs. Despite these challenges, protests have been few and far between, something Amaechi finds both puzzling and troubling.
