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Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, made his stance unmistakably clear during a recent interview with Arise News, choosing to focus strictly on personal reflections rather than political controversies. The interview, which was intended to celebrate his 60th birthday and review his leadership journey, took an unexpected turn when Amaechi issued a firm warning about the direction of the discussion.
From the onset, Amaechi emphasized that his appearance on the show was conditional—that politics would not be part of the conversation. His bold declaration left no room for ambiguity and set a boundary that guided the rest of the interview.
The former governor, who was once a major contender in the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries before losing the ticket to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberately avoided revisiting the political chapter of that contest. Instead, the discussion centered on his personal growth, leadership philosophy, and the influence of key mentors who shaped his rise in Nigerian politics.
Reflecting on his journey, Amaechi acknowledged that his swift climb to power wasn’t necessarily based on superiority but on timing and mentorship.
“It’s not because I’m the best. I had the opportunity,” he noted, as he discussed the factors that helped him ascend in his political career.
He went on to highlight the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership roles.
“The problem is not when you get the opportunity; the problem is what you do with the opportunity,” he said, stressing the importance of using influence wisely once it’s attained.
Despite the anticipation of possible political commentary from the seasoned politician, Amaechi remained consistent throughout the session, steering the focus back to introspection, lessons learned, and leadership insights drawn from his decades of public service.
Viewers who expected political soundbites were met instead with thoughtful commentary on leadership and personal discipline. Amaechi’s deliberate avoidance of political discussions appeared to underscore his current disposition toward public life—more reflective and less confrontational.
His composure and resolve to avoid political entanglement also served as a reminder of his evolving public image. While still a prominent name in Nigeria’s political landscape, Amaechi is now choosing to shift the narrative towards mentorship, leadership values, and the power of opportunity—topics he believes are more worthy of attention at this stage of his life.
Click on the link below and watch the video starting from 5:54 minutes mark
