In his quest to clinch the All Progressives Congress, APC ticket for the 2023 Presidential election, Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has assured that he would be a President that would reflect all tribes and religion in the country.
Amaechi said he would be detribalized and would ensure that the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians are protected, irrespective of tribe and religion.
Amaechi gave the assurances when he visited the Paramount Ruler of Akure kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Aladetonyibo Aladelusi Ogunlade (Odun Dun the 2nd), Monday.
He also paid a private visit to Elder Statesman, Chief Olu Falae, and proceeded to Ibadan, where he paid a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Olalekan Balogun, and met with delegates and party faithfuls at the Oyo State APC secretariat.
To the Deji of Akure, Amaechi said, “You recognized us for who we are, you recognized us not as a Yoruba candidate, not as an Hausa candidate, not as an Igbo candidate or Ikwerre where I come from, but as a Nigerian candidate. I am detribalized, I don’t know Yoruba or Hausa, I just know Nigeria, and everybody should be treated like that, there should be no segregation,” he said.
Amaechi also restated that he would improved upon the security situation in the country if elected, as he would deploy his wealth of experience in governance and fighting insecurity.
“Your Majesty sir, It is not enough to say I was a former Governor for two terms, former Speaker for two terms, and all of that. The question to ask is what did I do with those positions? Because when I say I come with experience, I actually come with experience. Quite a lot of those who are contesting or aspiring to be the President don’t come with that kind of experience that I come with. I have governed a state where there was insecurity. When I was Governor of Rivers state, they were kidnapping two months old babies. The first they confronted me with was the kidnap of a prominent Nigerian, a Rivers man, Prof. Nimi Briggs, one time Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and the next person they kidnapped was the wife of late Chief Lulu Briggs, prominent people, and I was barely few weeks or months old in office, I rescued them.
“So we equipped the military and police, we trained them and made sure that at any point in time you kidnap anybody, we are in the position to rescue the person and punish the kidnappers. So I am experienced in finding solutions to insecurity,” he said.
Amaechi reiterated that if given the opportunity to govern Nigeria, he would ensure the Traditional Institution is given a place in the constitution. “By God’s grace, if I win in the primaries and win the general elections, the traditional institutions will be given a responsibility in the constitution. I can assure you of that. So, we are here to request for the support of our friends and brothers from Akure kingdom and Ondo state, Amaechi said.
Responding, Oba Ogunlade, described Amaechi as a grassroots politician who knows the needs of his people.
He said, “You are a grassroots politician, because you started from the grassroots, you know your people and you know everybody. You have already passed through the hierarchy of politics, from Speaker, two times. All this two times position has a meaning,” putting two fingers up, the Deji said it signifies peace.
“In a good democracy setting you should not have any problems at all. Currently, you have transformed the Ministry of Transportation, and I want the rail to come to Akure with the Seaport in Ondo. Whatever it takes for the rail to come to Akure, we will do it, and whatever it takes for the Seaport to come to Ondo, the people of Ondo will do it. We are not doubting you at all because you passed through all the stages. You did what you were supposed to do at each stage, all those that elected you, they did because of your integrity and for the love you have for your people. Not for your people alone, but for the nation.
“Like you said earlier, you are not from Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba alone, you are a typical Nigerian and we take it like that and when you get there, I know you will be a typical Nigerian not one sided,” he said.
Amaechi also addressed party executives, members and delegates at the APC secretariat in Akure, and urged them to vote for him at the primaries, as he is capable of tackling the security challenges and fostering growth and inclusion in the country and the party at large.
A Northern leader in the South South and Chieftain of Amaechi Volunteers Group, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman, has condemned in strong terms the comments by a purported Chieftain of Arewa Community in the South-South Alhaji Musa Saidu, describing the Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi as pretending to love the North.
Usman said the concocted story and comments by the self proclaimed Arewa leader, published by a national newspaper (not Vanguard) should be ignored as the claims are totally false and poorly fabricated in a failed attempt to whittle down the support enjoyed by Amaechi in the North.
Reacting to the allegation by the so called Saidu that Northerners did not benefit from Amaechi’s leadership during his time as Governor of Rivers State, Usman condemned the claims, noting that the ill-conceived story was written out of ignorance and scorn for the former Rivers Governor.
He maintained that it was a well known fact that between 2007 to 2015 when Amaechi held sway as Governor of Rivers State, he brought about total inclusiveness to governance irrespective of tribe and religion. He noted that as Governor, Amaechi provided 13,000 teaching jobs in the State, out of which 3,000 were given to non indigenes including Notherners.
According to him, “It is most unfortunate to hear Saidu make such unsavory statements about the Transportation Minister even when Alhaji Saidu’s brother by name Abubakar and other Northern youths benefited immensely from Amaechi’s recruitment of teachers, all of whom enjoyed improved welfare, training and re-training, with loan provisions for cars to all teachers.
“As a Northern leader residing in Rivers State, I will not not fold my arms and watch him or any ill-informed person make such derogatory statements against Amaechi, because it is a well known fact that many of us benefited from his policies as governor which accommodated all non-indigenes in the State at the time. Our children benefitted from his (Amaechi’s) free education programme in the new model primary and secondary schools he built across the State.
“We are also aware that Northerners and other non indegenes benefited from contracts awarded to local contractors in Rivers state during Amaechi’s time as Governor. Amaechi represents hope and unity, he is a Pan Nigerian. He does not segregate when it comes to governance and quality service delivery. So, to think that such remarks could come from a so called Arewa leader is totally disgusting and has no basis.
“Was Alhaji Saidu not in Rivers State when Amaechi cancelled the disparity in school fees for indigenes and non-indigenes at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University? Was Alhaji Saidu not there in Rivers State when Amaechi directed the Vice Chancellor to stop segregating payment of fees between the non indigenes and indigenes and pegged it at a flat rate for all and Sundry? Would Alhaji Musa claim that at the time Amaechi reversed that payment that Notherners were not schooling at the State University?
“Again, to think that Amaechi hates the North is not only misleading but laughable and mischievous. Nigerians cannot be deceived any longer. Nigerians cannot be hoodwinked into Musa’s lies and falsehood,” Usman stated.
The Northern leader and APC chieftain also described as fallacious Musa’s statement alleging that Amaechi as Governor demolished mosques in the city of Port Harcourt. He said, it is on record that Amaechi sponsored Muslims to Hajj on a yearly basis and provided a safe environment for Muslims to worship in their mosques in all parts of Rivers State.
“Let’s even assume that Musa forgot about the good deeds of Amaechi to Northerners during his era as Governor, would he also forget so soon the Abuja-Kaduna rail project ? Even though that project was started by the Jonathan’s administration, it was completed by the present government of Muhammadu Buhari, and it was the Transportation Minister Amaechi that ensured the supervision and completion of that project. Is Kaduna not a State in the North? There is the Transportation University nearing completion in Daura, Katsina State. Is katsina State not in the North? There is the Kano-Maradi railway project . We can go on and on to mention the projects and good deeds of Amaechi to the North. How can anyone say that a man who has brought all these developments to us hates us?” He queried.
Usman therefore called on Nigerians and all Notherners to jettison what he called, ‘Musa’s imaginary thoughts and senseless comments on Amaechi’ and urged Northerners to rally support for Amaechi, whom he described as “Option A” for next year’s Presidential election. He said Amaechi is the only one out of all the aspirants that would ensure Nigeria’s unity and fast-track development at all levels if elected Nigeria’s President, and the North can be sure of more projects, as Amaechi will not only unite Nigeria, but will provide all-round good governance.
Usman while reminding the Arewa leader that the country requires a workaholic like Amaechi to ensure interconnectivity of the rail projects already started in most parts of the country, called on all Arewa people and respected Northern leaders to call the supposed Alhaji Saidu to order, and insisted that he desist henceforth from telling lies to Nigerians. “He should stop the cheap blackmail on Amaechi, his lies are dead on arrival.
“We understand that Amaechi may not be his preferred choice for the 2023 Presidential election, but that does not take away the fact that Amaechi’s antecedents speaks volumes. It does not take away the fact that of all the Presidential aspirants in both APC and PDP, Amaechi stands a better chance at winning the Presidential election due to his doggedness and dedication in championing development in the country.”
SmartPolician: You people should stop disgracing yourselves because you are promoting one old drug dealer. The information you seek is readily available on the internet.
Peter Obi met a thriving economy, yes he did well but putting forth a neutral parameter, Amaechi did more for Rivers people. His achievements as Transportation Minister is unprecedented.
Amaechi is the best candidate for APC and even for Nigeria. Dude is the most experienced candidate present in both parties. 23 years of top level political experience. He has been in the executive, legislature and is presently a student of the Judiciary. As 2-time governor, he excelled. As member of HOR, he did well. He was a two term speaker of the house. As Minister, he is the best so far. Add that to his young age. He is also very healthy (won't waste task payers money on health issues abroad). He is also a detribalised politician, unlike sectional politicians we see all around. He is also one politician that is capable of winning every zone in Nigeria. He will win SS, SE, NE, NW, NC and even some votes in SW (if no southerner is present in both APC and PDP). APC, give this man the ticket and goan sleep. He will win elections with his eyes closed
Ahead of 2023 General elections, leading All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidencial Aspirant, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi arrives Afunbiowo Hall in Ondo State, meets with Odun Dun ll the Deji and Paramount ruler of Akure Kingdom, H.R.M Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi as consultations begin in Ondo State
In February 2020 Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi bagged THISDAY Editor’s Choice Minister of the Decade award after being nominated alongside former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and 42 others.
On the award, an editor of ThisDay Eddy Odivwri wrote a feature which partly read, "No matter what people will say, Amaechi has come to be the poster boy of the President Buhari administration, with his deep devotion to driving the railway project of the country. Never before has any minister shown that degree of commitment to public task.
"He drives himself to all project sites, no matter how far and rough the paths may be. Once, he plunged his personal car into a shallow pond which was an obstacle to the continued inspection of the project.
"Those who have followed the zealotry of Amaechi in driving the railway construction work of the present government will shudder at the incredible energy he has shown and continue to show in over seeing every inch of the work. He remains a challenge to the physical fitness of even younger engineers and ministry staff who often accompany him on such inspections.
"With a monthly inspection of the rail project, Amaechi has proven beyond any string of doubt that when he is committed to anything, he gives it his all."
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Amaechi's declaration for Presidency at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt was greeted with resounding acceptability that clearly shows the readiness of Nigerians to go with a man who's passion and vigour can make a difference.
Today Nigeria still faces myriads of developmental challenges following decades of failures by successive civilian and military governments. What Nigeria needs is a passionate leader who has demonstrated capacity in the past, knowledgeable about the plurality and diversity of challenges and experienced in effecting change. This is where Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi comes in.
To start with, the revival of the railway system which went moribund in 1960 by building, completing and commencing commercial train services from Lagos to Ibadan on a 156KMs railway, completion of Abuja to Kaduna rail project and reconstruction and commencement of commercial train services from Warri to Itakpe in Kogi state, can only demonstrate the fact that Amaechi can revamp any sector of the economy if Nigerians give him the opportunity to lead as President.
But the trailblazing demeanor did not start with Amaechi's appointment as Minister. As Governor of Rivers State, his achievements were unprecedented. From infrastructure, human capacity development, job creation to economic rejuvenation, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi left legacies in Rivers State that are still visible and impacting nearly a decade after he left office as Governor. It is on records that his administration undertook the construction of over 200 Health Centres, 3 Hospitals, 500 Primary Schools and 9 Secondary Schools. Other notable feats include the construction of over 1500km of roads and 23 bridges. Amaechi's policies in Agriculture saw the rehabilitation of the over 30,000 hectares of Rivers State Oil Palm plantation -moribund RISONPALM and the Songhai Farm that became a national model.
Worthy of note is how Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi decimated the prevailing Niger Delta militancy crisis in Rivers State, barely six months into his tenure as Governor- a feat he will achieve if elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
To support our passionate entrepreneurs and owners of Small and Medium scale Enterprise (SMEs), I facilitated business funds for over thirty people through The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc).
Over the years, I had perfectly understood that education plays a critical role in training our young people to be key players in both Public and private sectors, hence I secured International Scholarship for our Youth to study Maritime and another STEM related programs, including the less privileged.
I have also ensured the empowerment of our Youths and women through the National Directorate on Employment (NDE).
In addition to training over 40 youths in Technology related skills, and donation of start-up support, I have provided medical equipment and drugs in our Federal Constituency, as well as make provisions for the construction of a complete Poultry Processing plant. These were not only an expression of my commitment to the people, but demonstration of vigour when saddled with responsibilities from the people.
In road construction, we have the following ongoing road projects I facilitated:
1. Road construction at Majalisa street which we'll be doing the flag up tomorrow 2. Road construction at Mahmoud asta street Bayan kasuwan buhu 3. Road construction samenaka 4. Road construction at lekki taba street Jimeta 5. Road construction at tambo 6. Road construction at jera Bakari and Jera Bonyo.
When elected, I will continue vigorously in ensuring job creation, empowerment and appointments for our people. I will partner Federal establishments, Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) and multinational corporations in capacity building for our young people and relevant skills programs.
Over the years, the Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) have been the dependable backbone of our economy, and through policies and provisions of funds and technical supports we will raise at least 20,000 self sustaining Businesses in our first tenure, these businesses will in turn create jobs and generate revenue both for our entrepreneurs and our government. I will facilitate the creation of cottage industries cluster to boost our macro-economy.
For the first time in our State, we will be pursing career internship and employability program to make sure that unemployment is confronted and decimated. I will continue facilitating International scholarships for our students and payment of bursary to students in our higher institutions. I will partner both Government agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and private sectors players to build at least two functional Tech hub in our Federal Constituency, this will kickstart a process of making our Federal Constituency a hub of Tech skills and Freelancing support base for our young people.
With policies making being the core of the duties of a member of parliament, I will sponsor bills and motions for the collective improvement of the wellbeing of our people. I will be proactive in taking issues bothering us to the National Assembly, and performing oversight functions in those regards also.
We will intensify the fight against insecurity and terrorism by putting serious demands on the Federal Government, ensuring our galant armed men are supported with operational weapons and improved welfare.
As your representative, I will be intentional about developing the Agriculture sector, improving crop yield and making our food chain effective for job creation and revenue generation. I will ensure annual provisions of high yield seedlings and farming inputs. Our Federal Constituency will be a center for dairy products production, procession and export.
We will establish Entrepreneurial development centers for mentorship and business incubation, and will explore our vast social networks to facilitate start-up funds for the trained entrepreneurs.
To increase Federal presence in our constituency, I will sponsor a bill for the establishment of a functional center to fight desertification and monitor climate change in our Federal Constituency.
I will ensure budgetary allocation and implementation of Federal road projects in our Constituency. We will advocate for the building of a substation within our Federal constituency to improve the power situation and to boost electricity available for businesses.
We will pay attention to healthcare, rural education and grassroots development by pushing for provisions of conducive learning environments and school buildings, provisions of text books and learning materials; construction of health facilities and provisions of drugs, and construction of markets.
As your House of Representatives member, I will take up petitions from our retirees whose gratuities have been delayed and present them to relevant agencies and committees.
As much as we will pay utmost attention to governance, I will not fail to empower our political stakeholders, youth and women of our political party who are doing enough in sustaining our highly priced democracy.
I will be a representative for everyone including those in the diasporas, and we will encourage them to come home and invest to grow our economy, as we will ensure the safety of their Start-ups. The vulnerable and less privileged will not be left out, as we will initiate programs to raise them out of poverty.
This is my message of HOPE, and pledge that I will serve as member representing Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency with commitment and dedication!
Hon Mahmood Mamman Abba Asta (Cigari Jimeta) for Member Representing Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency
A former Chairman of Yola North Local Government area, Hon Hon Mahmood Mamman Abba Asta who is aspiring to represent Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency in the National Assembly says he will raise 20,000 self sustaining businesses, facilitate the creation of a cottage industries cluster and at least two functional Tech hub in our Federal Constituency, this will kickstart a process of making our Federal Constituency a hub of Tech skills and Freelancing support base for our young people.
Hon Mahmood Mamman who shared his declaration speech on his Facebook page said he has ensured the provision of six transformers and road projects to communities in the past, and will sponsor bills and motions for the collective improvement of the wellbeing of the people of the Federal Constituency.
Full text of the declaration speech:
A message of Declaration of Aspiration, and the assurance of HOPE
PROTOCOL,
- Leaders, Members, and Congress delegates of our party, - Political stakeholders - Citizens and residents of our Federal Constituency - Youths and Women - Press and members of the fourth estate,
Let me begin by thanking you and all my supporters for choosing to be part of a historical journey for us, for posterity and for generations yet unborn. Thank you for your readiness to chart a course of HOPE in the face of challenges and political uncertainties. This is an assurance that we are ready for progress, ready for a paradigm shift and set for sustainable development. Today is about everyone of us, our children and the future that lies ahead of us.
Today, I am declaring with courage, commitment and with a sense of humility my intention to lead and represent our Federal Constituency by the will of God. To be a voice for the people of Yola North, Yola South and Girei in the Green chamber of the National assembly. I wish to state boldly my aspiration to bring hope of better opportunities for the young people, hope of a better welfare for the aged and bring to birth an era of sustainable development.
My decision is borne out of the conviction that my passion for service, undeniable capacity and experiences in the past, coupled with your unalloyed support will mark a begining of a journey to a prosperous future.
As a people, residents and citizens of our Federal Constituency, we face numerous challenges that can only be surmounted by leadership that is intentional, people oriented and passionate about change.
As a civil servant who worked with the Ministry of Lands and Survey, who went further to become a public servant having served as a Local Government Chairman and with records of working in the private sector, I feel the heartbeat and yearnings of our people, and have garnered experiences of the needs of our people, the peculiarities of our Federal Constituency and the prospects of a better future.
Today I urge you to join me in bringing hope to our people. I seek for the support of our dear party and the votes of our delegates to be the candidate of the APC during the 2023 National Assembly election of our Federal Constituency and to lead us into a tenure that will pay rapt attention to the things that will bring us Sustainable Development.
As a Child who was born and raised in Jimeta, and who has lived and worked in Yola, my experiences have shaped my leadership style of service, and guilded me to meet the needs of my people at every point.
It is worthy to mention the Construction of storm water canal at Wuro Kuturu Jambutu Jimeta Bye pass and rehabilitation of Hand pumps across Local Government areas of our Federal Constituencies as part of initiatives borne out of my commitment in ensuring that the standard of living of our people is improved.
The modification and expansion of Yola North Local Government Secretariat was done under my watch as the Chairman of the council, and was at the last stage of completion when I left office
In ensuring the provisions of basic amenities in the past, I ensured the provisions of the following;
1. Motorized borehole in Wuro Hausa Yola 2. Motorized borehole in Nassarawo Lumokoffi 3. Motorized borehole in Hullere 4. Motorized borehole at gwadabawa ward Jimeta 5. Solar borehole at Girei 6. Solar Borehole at Damare Polo Yola 7. Borehole at Dafuru Street
In the area of Power and electricity to support business owners and household usage, I ensured the provisions of;
1. Transformer at Majalisa Street Jimeta Yola 2. Transformer at Yelwa Kofar Gidan Yidi 3. Transformer Yelwa Near Palace 4. Transformer at Bayan Road Safety 5. Transformer at Net City 6. Transformer near Betola Hotel
Over the years, I have understood the place of sustainable empowerment in youth and community development, and this has always been the inspiration behind facilitating jobs and opportunities for our youth. Some of these are:
1. Facilitating youth empowerment through the Federal Government Special Project Work (SPW) where I secured for, - Yola North 60 people - Yola South 60 people - Girei 60 people - Fufure 40 people
Other Local Government area were Song, Gombi, Hong and Maiha.
In the past, I have facilitated jobs and appointments in Federal establishments including the Federal Road Safety Corp, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs and the Nigerian Police force.
The Embassy of China in Nigeria has debunked an online news alleging that the People’s Republic of China is supporting Minister of Transportation of Nigeria, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for the 2023 Presidential Election.
In a press release by the People’s Republic of China Embassy in Nigeria, it says thar “mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs is the basic principle and long-term commitment of China’s diplomacy”.
Full statement shared on website and official handle of the embassy:
The attention of the Embassy of China has been drawn to a misleading report on an online news portal, alleging that Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Minister of Transport of Nigeria and one of the aspirants to the 2023 Presidential Election, “has secured the backing of the Chinese Government”, and “…several meetings were held between Amaechi’s allies and the Chinese Government”, even claiming that “China needs to … install its dominance in Africa”. The general public is kindly reminded to ignore it and keep vigilant on this kind of fake news, which is fabricated with ulterior motives.
Mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs is the basic principle and long-term commitment of China’s diplomacy. With respect to Nigeria’ democratic political system, we are confident on the capacity of the Nigerian Government and people of organizing and conducting a successful general election.
Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was yesterday evening received by Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero during the Minister's consultation visit to the palace. Photos of the consultation visit was shared by the Minister's aide.
After joining Christian faithfuls for a Palm Sunday service in Rivers State, Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Port Harcourt- Maiduguri rail line.
The former Governor of Rivers who shared the video on his verified Twitter handle wrote:
I just inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line. The contractors are working in different gangs across the line simultaneously. Our first target is to get track-laying from Port Harcourt to Enugu completed, then proceed with the next phase.
I just inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line. The contractors are working in different gangs across the line simultaneously. Our first target is to get track-laying from Port Harcourt to Enugu completed, then proceed with the next phase. pic.twitter.com/lJTYR64fiW
Politics › Amaechi: I'll Improve Security And Be A President For All by JasonEkanem(op): 8:29am On Apr 26, 2022
