DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

I don’t steal in my kind of politics, Desmond Elliot

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Nigerian politician and actor Desmond Elliot stated he does not steal public funds, attributing corruption to politicians' fear of losing office.
  • Elliot highlighted improvements in electricity supply in his constituency as his greatest achievement and advocated for a Nigerian-style democracy.
  • He urged politicians to remember the temporary nature of power and serve selflessly, rather than hoarding wealth.

Politician and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has asserted that his political career is dedicated to service, not personal gain, and that he does not engage in corruption.

I will look for N1 million to donate to you. I don’t know where the money will come from because, in my own kind of politics, I don’t steal. And that is the truth; I don’t steal.

— Desmond ElliotResponding to an appeal from a non-profit organization during an interview.

Speaking on The Morayo Brown Show, Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, addressed the issue of public fund embezzlement. He explained that many politicians accumulate wealth due to insecurity about their future in office, fearing they might lose relevance and be unable to provide for their families.

"Politicians realise that their bosses can turn on them. So they begin to keep money for themselves and their families because they are insecure about their offices," Elliot stated. He added, "But I did not keep for myself, and by God’s grace I will not beg for food, but by God’s grace I will not beg tomorrow."

Politicians realise that their bosses can turn on them. So they begin to keep money for themselves and their families because they are insecure about their offices.

— Desmond ElliotExplaining why corruption persists in Nigeria's political system.

Elliot also reflected on the temporary nature of political power, urging his colleagues to remember their service is not permanent. "We will all die one day. We are not here forever. You were in that particular place for a reason, not because you are better than the next person," he said.

But I did not keep for myself, and by God’s grace I will not beg for food, but by God’s grace I will not beg tomorrow.

— Desmond ElliotAsserting his personal financial integrity.

His biggest accomplishment as a lawmaker, he noted, was improving electricity supply in Surulere Constituency I, transforming it from a "horrible place to live" a decade ago to one with reliable power, healthcare, and other amenities. Elliot also called for a unique Nigerian approach to democracy, suggesting a rotational system for leadership.

We will all die one day. We are not here forever. You were in that particular place for a reason, not because you are better than the next person.

— Desmond ElliotAdvising fellow politicians on the temporary nature of power.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog