I Don’t Encourage People To ‘Japa’ — Amaechi
The immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, says Nigeria has so much to offer that he cannot encourage Nigerians to embrace the now popular ‘Japa’ phenomenon.
According to him, ‘japa’ syndrome, that has Nigerian youths leaving the country for abroad, could only get them a 9 to 5 job which is mostly routine without much avenue to further express themselves and be fulfilled.
The 9-5 phrase usually describes a work arrangement where employees report to workplaces at 9 am and leave at 5 pm with the jobs mostly having to do with five working days a week in an office environment.
Speaking on the Arise Television programme on Saturday, the former Rivers State Governor said; “I have always discouraged people who want to leave the country. I say 9-5 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 9-5, safety and others, you can leave the country.”
He said staying back in Nigeria could get an individual into a political office where one can positively impact the society, adding that it is important for young people in the country to push their way through and put themselves in decision-making positions, especially as it concerns the nation’s economy.
The former Minister, who maintained that his fear of God stands him out among other elites and politicians in the country, said; “The difference between me and most Nigerian elites 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.”
Amaechi, who parried the question on his future political career, said; “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.”
From 2015 to 2022 when he resigned to contest the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, Amaechi served under former President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
