Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, says he is one of the simplest politicians in Nigeria and has not knowingly taken public funds.
Amaechi spoke during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, while reflecting on corruption, public perception, and his years in public office.
The former minister, who recently lost the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to Atiku Abubakar, said personal interactions often change people’s perception of him.
“I’m the simplest politician you can meet in Nigeria,” he said.
“When they meet me and they see how simple and ordinary I look and I am, it sweeps them off their feet.”
Amaechi said he tries to provide information to people who may not fully understand his actions in public office.
Asked about corruption, the former governor said he had never knowingly taken public money.
“When I say I won’t steal money, 80 percent of the time I’m serious,” he said.
Pressed on the remaining 20 percent, Amaechi replied that corruption is often more complex than direct theft.
“Transparency is not an easy thing in terms of corruption,” he said.
“Have you knowingly gone to take people’s money? No.”
INDIRECT CORRUPTION
He, however, acknowledged that holding public office can create opportunities and influence that may benefit officeholders in indirect ways.
“The office will help you to influence it,” he said.
“If you go to the government, they won’t give you some loans. But because of the office, some opportunities come.”
The former governor said Nigeria’s security challenges stem from widespread poverty, arguing that political leaders have contributed to the country’s economic hardship.
“In a society where you don’t have poor people, you don’t need bulletproof cars,” he said.
“It is because of the intense poverty, the devastation and the anger.”
“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.”
