- Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has sparked debate after stating that when he says he will not steal, he is serious “80% of the time.”
- The former minister also argued that politicians often benefit indirectly from public office and accused Nigeria’s political class of deliberately impoverishing citizens.
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stirred reactions online following comments he made about corruption, political influence, and governance in Nigeria.
Speaking on the podcast hosted by Chude Jideonwo, Amaechi described himself as “the simplest politician you can meet in Nigeria,” noting that many people are often surprised by how ordinary his lifestyle is.
During the conversation, he made a remark that quickly drew attention.
“When I say I won’t steal money, 80% of the time, I’m serious,” Amaechi said.
When Chude immediately asked what happens during the remaining 20%, the former governor explained that transparency in public office is often more complicated than simply taking government funds directly.
“You really need to swear to God. Have you knowingly gone to take people’s money? No. But some of the things you have, you really have to say the office would have helped you to influence it,” he said.
Amaechi further argued that holding public office often provides access to opportunities unavailable to ordinary citizens.
Giving an example, he said: “So, you want to take a loan? There are a lot of loans available for some of us to take. If you weren’t governor, they won’t give you.”
The former minister also disclosed that he was once advised to collect commissions from a major government transaction.
According to him, he was told that taking a 10 percent cut from a ₦3 trillion deal could have earned him ₦300 billion.
“I remember that they came and told me that if I took 10% of the ₦3 trillion, it would be ₦300 billion,” he revealed.
Amaechi also blamed Nigeria’s worsening poverty on the political class, accusing politicians of deliberately creating conditions that keep citizens disadvantaged.
“The politicians have deliberately impoverished Nigerians and misled Nigerians in such a way that they make you think the way they want you to think,” he stated.
