We steal because you never stoned us for it" - Gov Rotimi Amaechi

Amaechi Speaking at a tribute event for Nelson Mandela in Lagos on

Friday, Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi said the reason political

office holders steal is because citizens let them. "Even the

musicians, you're singing about us, the leaders? If you see a thief

and you allow him to be stealing, what do you do? You have stoned

nobody that's why we are stealing. Who have you stoned? We came out

and you started dancing, the oil subsidy, we told you they stole

N2.3trillion, what did you do? Instead you're protesting. The oil

subsidy that is not reaching the poor, few individuals are going away

with the money, you have done nothing, you are mourning Madiba, 95

years. It's good to steal if you can't fight back. You have heard

about $50billion, nobody is talking, we are debating whether can he

talk to the president like that. In some countries people will be on

the street, until they return that money. $50billion is N8trillion, it

will change Nigeria. Me I want to steal only $1billion, let them bring

it"