‘My wife is almost an industrialist’ — Amaechi explains ‘source’ of his wealth

Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, has described Judith, his wife, as the “backbone” of their family.

Amaechi commented when he was asked if he could declare his source of wealth while speaking in an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.

The former minister described his wife as “almost an industrialist”.

Amaechi also dismissed criticism of his wife’s business ventures, saying her industriousness predates his time in government.

The former Rivers governor, who served from 2007 to 2015, said critics often fail to understand his wife’s background and resilience.

“My wife is almost an industrialist; my wife buys and sells anything — apart from myself and my children. She’s the backbone of the family,” Amaechi said.

“She’s a bloody trader, she’s from Anambra. Even as governor, my wife was selling inside government house. So don’t ask me that question.”

Amaechi also noted that during his time as Rivers state governor, his administration was focused on grassroots development, especially in education and job creation.

He added that during his tenure, he employed over 19,000 teachers to run schools in the state, noting that his successor nearly reversed those appointments.

“Did you see that I built primary schools in every village — primary schools that had computers, that had either generators or solar panels?” he asked.

“That I employed 13,200 teachers that my successor almost dismissed. I also established farms to create employment. We held town hall meetings in virtually every village in Rivers state.”

The former governor’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over the integrity of members of the opposition coalition party — the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

On Thursday, Amaechi said he is willing to be a one-term president in 2027 if he secures the presidential ticket of the ADC.