Amaechi: I will eliminate corruption in first month as president or resign

Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation and 2023 presidential aspirant, says he will eliminate corruption in Nigeria in the first month of his administration if elected president or resign from office.

In June, major opposition figures, including Amaechi, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, announced a coalition under the umbrella of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to contest elections in 2027.

The former governor of Rivers had said he is willing to be a one-term president in 2027 if he secures the presidential ticket of the ADC.

Speaking on Saturday during a conversation on X space, Amaechi promised to utilise the funds saved from the removal of the petrol subsidy for the country’s development if elected president.

“So, I will eliminate corruption. Trust me, the first month of my being in office, corruption will disappear. If it doesn’t disappear, I will tender my resignation letter, and I will leave. I’m not joking,” he said.

Amaechi criticised the current government’s handling of subsidy funds, alleging that the benefits are shared among a few federal officials and governors, whom he accused of indulging in lavish lifestyles.

“The problem of the current government is that the benefit of the subsidy is shared between three or four persons at the federal level and the governors. And the governors are holding beach parties, having fun with young girls,” he said.

“It will not happen with me; I will supervise the government. Honestly, I will supervise the government.”

He also emphasised his opposition to the reintroduction of petrol subsidy, describing it as detrimental to the country.

“I will supervise my government. I won’t bring back subsidy, that’s impossible, because the situation is bad in terms of the economy of Nigeria,” he added.

“But I have also said that the subsidy removal is not successful. Money is going into private pockets.

“I will ensure the outcome of the removal of the subsidy is put back in the hands and pockets of Nigerians. If that happens, it will reduce poverty, and we would have capacity to purchase.”