Former Minister of Transportation and 2023 presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that if he becomes president, he will ensure that terrorists and their hideouts are bombarded daily until they disappear into thin air.
Amaechi recalled how he tamed under six months the menace of militants and other criminal elements in the State when he was elected governor of Rivers State.
The former transport minister made the remark in Katsina on Monday, while canvassing for the support of delegates ahead of the forthcoming primaries to elect the APC flag-bearer for the office of the President come 2023.
Amechi said: “If you know Rivers State before I became the Governor, you will know there were serious cases of kidnappings and killings in the State that made oil companies move away, but in 6 months, I restored security.
"General Buratai (former Chief of Army Staff) was then a Brigade Commander, for six months I did not sleep. So I said, they too will not sleep. Until they left Rivers people to sleep, then me too, I started sleeping.
“That’s why anywhere I go for consultations with delegates, I go with Gen. Buratai and former Inspector General of Police, Abba Suleiman, who was the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State at the time and the former Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar who was Air Force commander in Rivers then. We were bombing them everyday until they ran away.”
On revamping the Nigeria economy, the former transport minister said “there is need to move back to agriculture and move from agriculture to industrialization and manufacturing.”
In response, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State described Amaechi as a very hardworking and courageous person, noting that the former transport minister need not blow his trumpet but should allow them blow it for him.
Masari then went ahead to pinpoint the challenges bedeviling the State, primarily the issue of insecurity and the urgent need to rehabilitate displaced people as a result of banditry, calling on aspirants to have that at the back of their mind whenever they come to the State to seek support of its people.
A throwback video of Former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu commending former Minister of Transportation and Leading Presidential aspirant, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his courage during the 2015 General elections;
The Emir of Damaturu, HRH Alhaji Dr. Shehu Hashimi, the Ibn Elkanemi the 2nd, has called on Nigerians to support the Presidential ambition of former Transportation Minister, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a frontline aspirant in the forth-coming Presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for this weekend.
The Emir made the call while receiving the Presidential aspirant at his Palace in Damaturu, the Yobe State Capital, Monday.
Presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, addressing leaders and delegates of the party in Yobe State during a consultative meeting at the Government House Damaturu, Monday. He said, “I know much about you, I know the experience you have and the challenges you have gone through. With your track record, when you become the President, you will deliver as expected. I pray that you will be supported by Nigerians to be the President of this country.
“We will support you in prayer, we will support you in all aspects that we are able to, to see that you excel. The transformation of this great country seen under the Ministry of Transportation which you were the Minister, needs to be commended. We know the role you played and we know how much you have done, The Emir said.
During a courtesy call on the Yobe State Governor, at Government House Damaturu, Governor Mai Mala Buni said, with Amaechi’s pedigree, it would only be proper for Nigerians to support him to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the country requires someone who would continue in the implementation of the lofty policies of the present administration, hence the need to support the former Transport Minister.
“We need continuity and consolidation with innovation to ensure that what we are enjoying today as a nation would at least continue, because we cannot afford to start afresh, we cannot afford to risk having new hand…
“Your Excellency, you will agree with me that most of the developed nations were developed as a result of continuity of policy and programmes, unbroken chain of leadership. In Nigeria, a two-time Director General of a Presidential campaign and one of the most trusted and active member of cabinet, who has always been there for Mr. President to kickstart everything that will move the nation forward because all the campaign promises are on his fingertips, is fit.
“Like I said earlier, ordinarily you shouldn’t have come. You know we granted waiver to President Buhari in 2015 not to come, so we would have granted same to you, but as customary, you are here to interface with the delegates without taking the delegates for granted.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank you for the newly designed railway line which you took to my house. The design for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line that goes up to Goneri, from where we turn into Damaturu, and from Damaturu to Gashua, and all the other areas you have touched. The history of the Buhari government cannot be complete without your name. We, here in Yobe appreciate you and we are always in support of you, Governor Buni said.
Similarly, at an interactive session with the party delegates, former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai, said Amaechi should be supported because he has the courage to fight insecurity.
“I was opportune to be the Brigade Commander in Rivers State when he served as Governor. We worked tirelessly to ensure security and he is a man of many parts. He has also shown that capacity in other areas of administration which includes the doggedness and determination to ensure that our railway work again. What we need is to give him the delegates votes for him to get that ticket and be elected as President in 2023.
“I am part of his team because we want to champion a cause, a very worthy cause of someone who has shown capacity, who has shown leadership, who has shown the strength in terms of leadership where he started in Rivers State as Speaker of the State House of Assembly,” Buratai said.
In his address to the delegates, Amaechi assured of improved economy, where insecurity will be a thing of the past, if elected.
Former Minister of Transportation and Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has promised to turn the tide of insecurity and poverty around in the country if given the opportunity to be President in 2023.
Amaechi was speaking to delegates of the APC in Katsina State, the home State of President Muhammadu Buhari during his consultative visit on Monday.
He said if things don’t change soon, Nigeria may disintegrate to the point where there’s a total divide between the rich and the poor to the detriment of peace and security in the country, offering himself as the right candidate to restore peace, security and equity to Nigeria.
“If Nigeria does not move back to agriculture and move from agriculture to industrial and manufacturing, the breakup you’ll see is the poor versus the rich. It will not be Muslims versus Christian’s or North versus South. It will be the poor versus the rich. So we must build the Nigerian economy to accommodate the poor. If you don’t accommodate the poor, you will run away.
“Have you heard of Songhai farm? Three hundred hectares of Songhai farm, the biggest Songhai farm in the world was built by me. We built hostels for 500 farmers, when we train you and graduate you, we give you money, give you product to go and start your own farm, then we take another 500. We began to produce. By the time I left office, the farm was producing money to run itself, no more government money. We created 2000 hectares of Banana farm. We did it partly to create employment. Everyday we employed 500 persons.”
On insecurity, Amaechi narrated how he fought militancy and kidnapping to a standstill as Governor of Rivers State, adding, “That’s why anywhere I go (for consultations with delegates) I go with Gen. Buratai (former Chief of Army Staff, who was then Brigade Commander in Rivers State) and former Inspector General of Police, Abba Suleiman, who was Commissioner of Police in Rivers State at the time. Former Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar was Air Force commander (in Rivers State at the time). We were bombing them everyday until they ran away.”
Amaechi said he has been blessed with leadership over the years and he has performed in every position he has held, noting that his bid to become president is aimed at giving back to the country and the people.
“God has blessed me enough. What I’m doing is giving back. God has made me Speaker for a eight years, Governor for eight years, God has blessed me through President Buhari to make me Minister for Transportation. In all of them, I discharged my responsibility. I don’t listen to people who gossip. When we were to do Kano-Maradi rail line, I hope you read the newspapers. There’s no name they did not call me, I did not listen, I went ahead with Kano-Maradi, because I have two arguments. Are you (the people of Katsina State) not Nigerians? Are they saying railway should not get to Katsina because you’re not Nigerians? So because you’re Nigerians, you’re entitled to railway.”
“With that same spirit, if I become President, I’ll be President for every Nigerian. I know you have employed me, I am your servant. For women, I don’t believe in 30 percent, you must be given equal opportunities.
Speaking earlier, Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari said with Amaechi’s performance and level of developmental projects put in Katsina State while he was minister, the state should be the one blowing his trumpet.
“Chibuike Amaechi is a personal friend and indeed a friend in need. We have come a long way. I know him to be a very hardworking person and courageous person…You are not the one to blow your trumpet. I think we are in a better position to blow your trumpet.,” Masari said.
The Governor outlined the issues of Katsina State to include insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and the burden of rehabilitating displaced people, adding that the people of Katsina would go with a candidate capable of fixing those issues.
“To the people of Katsina, these are very very important for anybody coming to give us assurances for security, restoration of our normal lives,” he said.
For the Chairman of the APC in Katsina State, Muhammad Sani, it’s time for the people of the State to pay back the good deeds of the former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, towards them.
He said, “Your visionary leadership traits, your charisma, your can-do Spirit has not only transformed Katsina State to a mini Nigeria but, set it on the path of development. This indeed has made your name a household name among your equals.
“Your foresight of establishing the University of Transportation, rail line passing through Daura to Niger Republic and other institutions as well as other developmental strides have really endeared you to the people of Katsina. Little wonder you were recently turbaned as the ‘Dan Amanar Daura. Similarly, over the years your love for the North has remained constant as seen in your undiluted and staunch support for President Buhari.
“The saying that, ‘one good turn, deserves another, comes to play at this critical moment of your political journey. We believe that if you can transform a state to a mini Nigeria where all persons irrespective of tribe and religion come to find their daily bread and live in peace and harmony, then you can transform the whole country, if given the chance to navigate the ship of Nigeria. Permit me to say, Dan Amanar Daura sir, Nigeria truly awaits your uncommon and result oriented leadership,” Sani said.
As the May 29 Presidential primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) draws closer, Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya has said that with the former Transportation Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as President, Nigeria will be a better place for all.
The Governor said, having been in public office over the years with impeccable achievements, Amaechi would deploy his wealth of experience to piloting the affairs of the country to greater heights.
Speaking at a meeting of delegates with the frontline Presidential aspirant, Chibuike Amaechi at the Government House, Gombe, Weekend, Governor Yahaya said, “Going by the trajectory on which your life is built, from Speaker to Governor and to Minister, and if you get to that level that you are aspiring to get to, that means everything is settled.
“You have shown capacity, you’ve shown energy and passion and you have shown the capacity to deliver on any assignment or political mandate that is given to you. Our delegates, knowing how you handled the previous assignments given to you and the capacity that you have proven to have, will give them the cause and confidence to go with you, because we know with you, everything is settled.
“Gombe is your second home. You stood to fight and bring in Mr. President, and by so doing you’ve shown commitment, you’ve shown capacity.
“Gombe State is ready for you. These array of supporters that you see here are delegates. So, I make bold to say as the leader of this party, that these delegates that you see here are speaking with one voice and they know you have the capacity to deliver,” the Governor said.
Similarly, Chairman of the party, Nite Amangal, said there is no doubt the former Minister would deliver on good governance if given the opportunity due to his experience in public office.
According to him, “Your Excellency, Gombe is your second home. The delegates of Gombe will speak with one voice, and we know you have the capacity and experience to be the President of Nigeria. We pray that God will lead you through to be on the seat by 2023.”
Amaechi, while addressing the delegates, assured that if elected as President, he would complete the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line which goes through Gombe. He also appealed to the delegates to vote for him at the party’s Presidential primaries slated for next weekend.
“Vote for me, so that I can fly the party’s flag and become the President of the country. If you support me, if you vote for me, be rest assured that I will deliver. I am not from the North, I am not from the South, I am not from the East, I am not from the West, I am from Nigeria. It simply means that I will represent you, whether you are a Christian or Muslim.
“Take the assurance that I understand the pains of poverty, get the assurance that I will bring my wealth of experience to bear. The Federal Government has approved the contract for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway. It has been awarded, the contractor is on site. I hope they will continue to pursue the loan the way I was doing before I resigned. If they don’t complete that project, when I become President, be rest assured that I will complete it,” Amaechi stated.
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday afternoon signed into law the recently amended 2022 electoral act, a lawmaker has said.
The electoral act has been a bone of contention for a while as the House of Representatives, Senate and other politicians were excluded from voting in their parties’ primaries by the 2022 electoral act.
Following the omission, both the Senate and House of Representatives last week convened emergency sessions where they amended the act to provide for statutory delegates to vote and be voted for in the forthcoming political parties primaries and conventions.
However, with few days left for the primaries to take place, politicians have been pressuring the president to sign it in order to avert crisis.
A member of the House of Representatives Emeka Chinedu representing Ahiazu/ Ezinihittee Mbaise federal constituency in the House of Representatives told BusinessDay the bill was eventually signed today, May 21.
“I can confirm to you that Mr President signed the bill into law this afternoon and we are all happy about it as it will give us and other statutory delegates the power to vote at the primaries,” Chinedu said.
“The amendment was swiftly done by the national assembly members to legally provide a place in the Act for statutory delegates of political parties to vote during their congresses and conventions.
“It will indeed do a lot of good for the upcoming party primaries.”
Meanwhile, those in Rivers State would recall with nostalgia how Amaechi fought insecurity in Rivers State, and how he brought Economic prosperity and Infrastructural development as Governor.
He has the experience and the charisma to deliver!
Former Minister of Transportation and Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has stated that he is aware of the challenges of Nigeria, including the problem of insecurity, and that he is capable and ready to solve them.
Amaechi made the statement during his consultative meeting with the Governor and delegates of the APC in Niger State, Thursday.
He noted that he had governed a State that was as bad as what Niger suffers today, and that he is ready to tackle the security problems if elected. “I know what you’re suffering, I was governor of Rivers State when they were kidnapping two months old children, and I never slept until everybody slept. Gen. Buratai is not here today, he would have told you the story. Buratai, myself the former Inspector General of Police (Suleiman Abba) ask them, we used to chase criminals in the bush. I remember one day I was chasing criminals with Gen Sarkin Yaki Bello (then Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta), we were running and he stopped and asked me, ‘Your Excellency, are you wearing bullet proof vest?’ I said why are you asking, he said ‘what if they shoot you,’ I said ‘are you wearing one?’ He said no, and I asked ‘what if they shoot you.’
“But in six months, we brought down insecurity in Rivers State,” Amaechi said.
Talking about his contribution to Niger State when he was the Minister of Transportation, Amaechi said, “As Minister for Transport, today, the contract for Baro (Port) awarded, the contract for rail line to go from Baro to Minna also awarded. The Emir told me that the contractor has visited him to say he wants to start work.”
Amaechi further stated that apart from his vast experience, having served and delivered as Speaker, Governor, Minister and Director General of two successful Presidential campaigns, there exist a difference between him and other aspirants, a fact that he is a better experienced politician and a people person.
“Another difference between me and them, is that I am a politician, they’re not. The difference is that I can walk to you and I’ll talk, discuss with you. I can connect easily with the people. I wasn’t born into a rich family. My father was a poor man, the only English my mother knows how to speak is pidgin english. I ate garri three times a day, and I still eat garri three times a day till today, so I know poverty”, he said.
He opined that now is the time for the people of the North and all Nigerians to stand by him, as he did for the country when he supported the emergence of President Buhari, without looking at whether he comes from the North or South.
“When everybody was fighting me, saying ‘he’s supporting a Northern candidate, he’s supporting a Hausa/Fulani candidate,’ I remained steadfast that I was supporting a Nigerian candidate. Now is your turn to?”
“Payback,” The delegates chorused in response.
The Niger State Governor, Sani Bello who welcomed Amaechi to the State, asked the delegates if they were satisfied with Amaechi and his submission, and they all responded, “Yes!”
Earlier, Amaechi paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouq Bahago, who expressed satisfaction with Amaechi’s performance as Minister of Transportation, thanking him for the Baro seaport and rail project he brought to Niger State, affirming that the contractor, CCECC had contacted him that they are ready to commence work.
The Emir also stated that Amaechi’s immense experience qualifies him for the job of the President of the country.
The 2023 Presidential election is beyond who becomes the President. It's about fixing the country. It's about bringing economic prosperity and decimating the pangs of insecurity.
That's where Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi comes in. He has the antecedents and the experience. Amaechi became Governor when Rivers State was submerged in the Militancy crisis and could be likened to a microism of the Nation. He not only decimated Militancy, but brought about economic prosperity.
Ahead of 2023 Presidential Primaries of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Kano Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has insisted that the presidency should go to the South. He made this known while receiving former Minister of Transportation and leading aspirant, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi in Kano.
Also, Muhammad Badaru, governor of Jigawa state, has expressed his support for the presidential bid of Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transport. Amaechi visited the governor on Wednesday.
“Your excellency, our leader in APC, chief Rotimi Amaechi, it is indeed my pleasure to receive my friend, a friend in this struggle. I know what we have done to keep this party alive today. I know what we have done to make sure we succeed in the 2019 elections. I don’t know too much about 2015, but I know that our guest played a key role in bringing APC into power,” Badaru said.
“One thing I respect about my big brother and friend (Amaechi) is that what you see is what you get. He doesn’t lie; he doesn’t pretend. He says it straight, and that’s the quality of leaders this country needs.
"Some of you might begin to think, ‘Ah, Badaru you are also a presidential aspirant’, but I assure you, there’s is no contest between me and Amaechi. We belong to one father and we respect one father, and for sure, we will move in the same direction.
“We are all the children of President Muhammadu Buhari who loves us dearly and respects us, and whatever we do certainly must have his blessing, and that blessing we respect.
“So, Jigawa delegates, when you think of me, think of Amaechi too. I can tell you, there is no contest. On that day, either I run or he runs. But the two of us will never run (against each other).
It’s either Amaechi or me. Both of us won’t be on the APC presidential primary ballot.”
Presidential Aspirant, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi addressing FCT delegates of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja, Tuesday night. Former Minister of Transportation and Presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has assured delegates of the Party in the Federal Capital Territory of better representation if they support him to clinch the Party’s presidential ticket and proceed to win the general elections in 2023.
Amaechi gave the assurance during his consultative meeting with delegates of the APC in Abuja, Tuesday night, adding that there would be equal representation between men and women, while Ministers will know their portfolios ahead of their screening and would be screened based on that.
“If you elect me as your president, ministers will know their portfolio before they get to the National Assembly, so that when the National Assembly is interviewing a Minister, they’ll interview the Minister to know their capacity, to see how qualified he is to be minister for Transport, for instance. So that when they are asked questions, it will border on how they can tackle challenges in those sectors.”
He added that Ministers from the 36 States and the FCT will be appointed by their people after stakeholders’ meetings to nominate at least three names from their States. This he noted is to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Where you give us two females, there must be one man. Where you give us two men, there must be one woman, preferably, one man, one woman and one youth. When they bring those names, the leadership of the Party at the National level will sit and choose one out of the three. The only ones I will be privileged to appoint would be the extras.”
For the people of the FCT who tend to feel marginalized by their status as a territory and not a State, Amaechi said, “I will treat you like a State, but you must give me the power to treat you like a State by voting for me. If given the chance, the FCT Minister will be from FCT.
“All of us will participate collectively. So that if we fail or succeed, all of us will be participants in either the failure or the success, but I can assure you we won’t fail, because I’ve never failed. As Speaker, as Governor, as Minister, you can see the railways.”
For safety on the rail lines, he said before he resigned as Minister, “We have put security in place so that those who will travel as soon as they (NRC) resumes (train service on Abuja-Kaduna rail line) on the 23rd will not have challenges. We have agreed with the Air Force that they will over-fly the trains so that anybody they see trying to compromise the tracks, they will shoot. People who have no business being on the track should stay away, because if they see anything suspicious, they will shoot.”
Responding, leader of the APC in the FCT, Sen. Isa Maina said, “your pedigree is intimidating. By God’s grace you’ll be President two times. Your very intimidating entourage speak volumes. We’ve had other aspirants come to speak to us and no one has come with such delegation.
“We trust your word that the FCT will be treated as a State. I urge all of us (delegates) to give him (Amaechi) the support because I know he does not lie. I know you’re very capable, you are a man of your words,” he said.
Amaechi was accompanied by high profile dignitaries and associates, including former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai, former Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, Senators, among others.
As Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi continues consultations ahead of All Progressive Congress Presidential elections primaries, delegates in Taraba have assured him of 90% of their votes.
Speaking during the consultation visit, Taraba State Chairman of the APC, Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi said, “our delegates know how to separate the chaff from the grain. Sir, we are assuring you that 90% of our votes will go to you."
Leading All Progressives Congress Presidential aspirant, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi arrived at the Yenegoa Airport in Bayelsa state as he begins consultation in the state ahead of the party’s primary election slated for 30th and 31st of May, 2022.
Amaechi was welcomed at the airport with funfair celebration befitting a respected personality by the APC leaders in the state and as well as Bayelsans that are believers in his political ideals.
Tinubuadvocate: In response, Amaechi told the boxing great that he believes the Federal Government would support any initiative to harness more talents in the country, which would also create jobs.
This kind of initiative can't provide enough job for our jobless youths. We are seeing a lot of jobless Nigerians on the streets everyday even here on nairaland. You see some of them wake up in the morning start attacking Tinubu with frustrated mind as if Tinubu is their state governor or president. You people should invest in Agriculture. Get this stupid boys busy.
But the $1.5 Billion Lekki Deep seaport project which is near completion can create enough jobs. Amaechi clearly has no business in attacking any aspirant, neither his supporters, but the fact are clear. From records, Amaechi has all it takes to make Nigeria work. He's vigorous, and won't be leading the country by proxy
Sweetplum: Hair fixer ni. Wetin he fix? Railway not completed. 2nd Niger bridge incomplete after 8 years. Airline operators dey strike ontop him eyes. Transport dey cost every day and we v minister of transport. Ordinary MC Oluomo dey wreck havoc for Lagos Amaechi cannot call him to order. All of you are mad with failure!
You're clearly ignorant or plainly vile. How's the 2nd Niger bridge or airline operators strike the responsibilities of Amaechi when we have Ministries of Works and that of Aviation?
For the records, he completed and inaugurated the Abuja- Kaduna railway for commercial activities. Built and completed the Lagos- Ibadan railroad. Reconstructed and completed the Itakpe-Warri line for commercial train services. Revamp the Nigerian Institute of Transportation Technology and Maritime Academy. Today the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep seaport project is almost completed.
Renowned American boxer and boxing promoter, Floyd Mayweather wants to establish a boxing academy in Africa, especially in Nigeria to build young fighters.
Mayweather, a former WBC Super featherweight champion said this when he visited frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence early Monday morning.
Mayweather said Amaechi is always concerned about empowering the youths, hence his support is needed to actualize his goal of setting up the boxing academy.
"The ultimate plan is to find the next Mayweather. I want to work with kids, I will come over to meet and talk to make sure we are all on the same page, and slowly start building these fighters.
“We just want to help. It’s all about giving back, helping the youths and the young generation coming up. I want to build a boxing camp for the kids. Different American trainers will come over and work with them.
“There are so many talents in the sports world over there in the United States, and Africa is dominating in the U.S now. There are so many hidden talents, so many skills, so we want the world to see these skills.
“We don’t want it to be hidden, like I was able to display my skills and talents to the world, here I am today. I want to build an academy just for the children to grow,” Mayweather said.
In response, Amaechi told the boxing great that he believes the Federal Government would support any initiative to harness more talents in the country, which would also create jobs.
It could be recalled that during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi prioritized sports developments, with projects that included the construction of the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium Port Harcourt.
Politics › 2023: We Will Bomb Terrorrists Daily Until They Run Away – Amaechi by JasonEkanem(op): 11:55am On May 25, 2022
To make Poverty look like the normal thing 
