I Didn’t Get There Alone!” – Amaechi Opens Up On Kingmakers Behind His Rise As Rivers Governor

Former Minister of Transportation and two-term Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has acknowledged the key figures and institutions that played pivotal roles in his emergence as governor in 2007.

In an interview with Arise News, Amaechi, who led the oil-rich state from 2007 to 2015, credited his rise to the grace of God, the backing of his predecessor, Dr. Peter Odili, the support of the Rivers people, and the critical intervention of the judiciary.

Before becoming governor, Amaechi served as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007.

Reflecting on his political journey, he said:

“I had the opportunity and I made use of it. When the chance came for me to become Speaker, Dr. Odili and I discussed it. He believed I should take the role, and I did. The real challenge isn’t getting the opportunity—it’s what you do with it.

“At that time, I was arguably one of the best Speakers in Nigeria. I don’t know about now, maybe there are better ones. But then, no one could deny my performance. I was even elected Chairman of the Speakers’ Forum. Honestly, since I left, I’m not sure the forum is still active.

“Ultimately, it was by the grace of God, the support of Peter Odili, the Rivers people, and the judiciary that I became governor. It was the judiciary that declared me the rightful governor.”