Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has described himself as one of Nigeria’s most transparent politicians, saying he has always tried to maintain integrity while in public office.
Speaking during an interview on With-Chude Podcast, Amaechi said many people often have a different impression of him until they meet him personally. According to him, he lives a simple life and sees himself as an ordinary Nigerian despite occupying high political positions.
Amaechi acknowledged that transparency in government is not always easy, especially when public officials have access to influence and privileges that come with their offices. He explained that some opportunities, such as obtaining certain loans, may become available because of the position a person holds.
The former minister also spoke about corruption in public service, insisting that he never knowingly took public funds for personal gain. He recalled being informed that some individuals involved in large financial transactions allegedly received commissions.
Using a transaction involving over three trillion naira as an example, Amaechi said he was told that taking a 10 percent commission from such an amount would have earned him about 300 billion naira. He maintained that if he had accepted such benefits, his lifestyle today would be completely different.
In his words, “When I saw I won’t steal money, 80 percent of the time I’m serious. Transparency is not an easy thing in terms of corruption….See More
