Amaechi advised young people in the country to push their way through to get into a place of decision-making.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has advised against the emigration of Nigerians popularly described as Japa.
Amaechi, while speaking on the Arise Television programme on Saturday, said emigrating from Nigeria in search of greener pastures may only get one a job that starts at 9am and closes at 5pm.
He maintained that staying back in Nigeria could get one into a political office while advising young people in the country to push their way through to get into a place of decision-making, especially regarding the economy of Nigeria.
The former Rivers State governor said, “I have always discouraged people who want to leave the country. I say 9 to 5 is the job you can get. You may not get the opportunity we get in Nigeria. You can just wake up one day and you are already a minister or a governor. It just happens.
“If you are looking for opportunity, please stay back in Nigeria but if you are looking for 9 to 5, safety and others, you can leave the country.
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Amaechi further stated that his fear of God stands him out from among the elite and politicians in the country.
“The difference between me and most Nigerian elite is that I say things the way it is and I say it unknowingly. It is the way God has brought me up and I will tell you the truth even if you put a gun on my head. I’ve always believed that the reason I acquired that character is because of my fear of God. I’ve always believed that I should go to heaven and one way to do that is to be honest with mankind and with yourself.
“When you are wrong, you say you are sorry. I choose to be honest all my life. I don’t want to be politically correct and if diplomacy means lying, then I won’t lie. The best or worst you can get of me at that particular time is to walk away from that place instead of lying,” he stressed.
Amaechi declined to comment when questioned about his political career.