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Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain (19080 Views)

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Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by ivandragon: 8:07pm On Sep 12, 2018
The minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who is accused of manipulating foreign scholarships offered by a government contractor, has defended the selection process that benefited only people nominated by him and other senior officials.


In his first public comments on the matter since PREMIUM TIMES exposed the scandal in July , Mr Amaechi dismissed widespread criticisms that trailed the process, saying what mattered was that Nigerians were given the opportunity to be trained in China, not how they were selected.


The scholarships were offered by a Chinese construction firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The government has been criticised for accepting favours from a contractor.


The scholarship involved the sponsorship of over 40 Nigerian undergraduate students in Chinese universities to study railway engineering. The company said it was part of its social corporate responsibilities.


Rather than make the scholarship available to all eligible Nigerian youth, the scholarship slots were shared among wards of select government ministers and other top public officials.



The top officials, who benefitted were identified in a document used by the construction firm, CCECC, to permit selected candidates to participate in the scholarship interview.



At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Amaechi said Nigerians should not question the selection of candidates, but should be happy to have people trained to take over from CCECC.



The minister initially declined to comment on the controversy, but after answering other questions journalists asked him, he said “the answer to this thing is simple, CCECC has granted us scholarship, how they got their candidates, ask them. I’ve seen the first batch in China. Instead of asking how we chose the candidates, they should ask us about the policy”.



“The policy is that when they come they build roads. Rivers state government house is still being maintained by Julius Berger, is that good? It’s something that any Nigerian should be able to maintain.


“To maintain that place, Julius Berger comes every day and they are paid every month. The month you don’t pay them, you won’t see them.


“If you allow the railway people go without them providing scholarship, when they finish and they go, when the train breaks down you will see that the workers would be sweating but we are very sure that at the end of the day before the Chinese leaves they must have trained our men to take over this thing and that is what is critical not how we chose the candidates,” he said.


“I think the CCECC complied with the law, they did not break any law.”


Protest


On June 21, scores of young Nigerians, who travelled long distances from all over the country, stormed the CCECC headquarters to participate in the scholarship interview after being told the previous day at the Ministry of Transport that no such opportunities exist .


The Chinese firm was conducting interviews for about 42 shortlisted applicants in the scholarship scheme that would see successful candidates train as railway engineers in China.



On getting there, the applicants found that without a signed letter by a minister or permanent secretary, they were not be allowed to participate in the interview.
Only candidates who had been nominated by top officials were allowed for the interview.


In July, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) commenced investigations into the allegations.


The CCECC also told the investigators that the names of students finally selected had been submitted to the Chinese Embassy for processing, sources in the ICPC told PREMIUM TIMES.


They also told the investigators they had concluded the selection process from the list which they claimed they got from the transport ministry.



Last week, PREMIUM TIMES reported how President Muhammadu Buhari visited the first batch of the railway scholarship recipients in China in the course of the 7th Summit of the Forum on China — Africa Cooperation (FOCAC 2018).


Although this newspaper could not establish that the youth currently on scholarship in China were the same ‘connected youth’ who got their scholarships through the controversial process, the ICPC was told by CCECC officials that only the candidates nominated by ministers and other top officials of the Buhari administration were allowed to take part in the selection interview and made the final list.


The controversial railway scholarship is, however, not the only one being provided by the CCECC.



Shortly after the scandal, the CCECC and Chinese government offered more scholarships on railway transportation to university students in the country.


One of such was the award of scholarships to 30 students from the Ahmadu Bello University.


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/283297-amaechi-speaks-on-ccecc-scholarships-scandal-says-nigerians-shouldnt-complain.html

1 Like 2 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by ivandragon: 8:09pm On Sep 12, 2018
& some people will take out time to defend this 'regime'...

a government that acts with impunity & no regard for what its citizens think...

125 Likes 13 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Nbote(m): 8:24pm On Sep 12, 2018
No b una faults jare, na e-diots wey dey support una fault

80 Likes 9 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by freeze001(f): 8:36pm On Sep 12, 2018
Kai! APC & BMC Supporters Club oya o! Come defend normal insult wey una idiots dey give Nigerians.

57 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by naijapips04: 8:37pm On Sep 12, 2018
The zombies sleeping day and night on this forum defending this criminals, how many of you or your brother or sister got this scholarship?

Stupidity is the worse disease anyone can have.

112 Likes 10 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by LibertyRep: 8:39pm On Sep 12, 2018
So the allegation was right after all.

It's well.

51 Likes 6 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by yomi96(m): 8:43pm On Sep 12, 2018
hmmm this is a slap on our collective intelligence. this should be a wake up call.

34 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by CSTR1005: 9:08pm On Sep 12, 2018
Damn. angry

This guys are very comfortable insulting Nigerians.

Just imagine. Statement that will get you impeached in any sane clime.
An act of corruption and nepotism.

These apc politicians at the federal level are so confident in their supporters, that they don't bother about what the rest of us think.

They just vomit nonsense and dare us to do our worst.

124 Likes 17 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by yomi96(m): 9:12pm On Sep 12, 2018
CSTR1005:
Damn. angry

This guys are very comfortable insulting Nigerians.

Just imagine. Statement that will get you impeached in any sane clime.
An act of corruption and nepotism.

These apc politicians at the federal level are so confident in their supporters, that they don't bother about what the rest of us think.

They just vomit nonsense and dare us to do our worst.
my brother Nigerian mata tire me, they say all this stuff because the so called youth are to docile

58 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Mgbadike80: 9:14pm On Sep 12, 2018
World Bank Reviews Nigeria’s Economic Growth Downwards

By Emeka Anaeto, Business Editor
T HE World Bank has effected a massive cut in its projections for Nigeria’s economic growth rate for 2018 to 2.1 percent, down from 2.5 percent and 1.9 percent for 2019, down from 2.8 percent.
This was contained in its latest World Economic Outlook just released at the on-going spring meeting of the World Bank Group in Washington DC, United States of America.
The World Bank’s January 2018 Global Economic Prospect report launched on Tuesday, January 09, 2018 in Washington DC, had said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by 2.5 percent in 2018 and 2.8 per cent in 2019 and 2020.
Though the new projection still shows a huge leap against the actual of 0.8 percent achieved in 2017 and 0.2 percent higher than its projection in October last year, it indicated, not only a reversal of position but also a widening gap between the positions of the Federal Government and the World Bank on the recovery prospects post-recession while sign-posting the Bank’s concerns over possible stalling of growth momentum as the country prepares for a general election scheduled for first quarter 2019.
The Federal government had projected GDP growth rate at about 3.5 percent in its 2018 budget.
The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP, the government’s medium term economic blue print, had stated: “Real GDP is projected to grow by 4.62 per cent on average over the plan period of 2017 – 2020, from an estimated contraction of 1.54 per cent in 2016. Real GDP growth is projected to improve significantly to 2.19 per cent in 2017, reaching 7 per cent at the end of the plan period.”
In its latest report, the World Bank stated: “In Nigeria, the economy is projected to grow 2.1 percent in 2018 and 1.9 percent in 2019 (up from 0.8 percent in 2017), reflecting improved oil prices, revenue, and production and recently introduced foreign exchange measures that contribute to better foreign exchange availability.”
The report also indicated that Nigeria would be under-performing the sub-Sahara Africa group of economies which the World Bank projected would rise to 3.4 percent in 2018, up from 2.8 percent actual recorded in 2017, and improve slightly thereafter through the medium term to about 4.0 percent.
Though the report did not state reasons for the Nigeria down-grade, it is likely tied to its earlier observations in previous reports that noted the adverse effects of political developments on the economies of sub-Sahara Africa.
It also corresponds to the position of the ERGP document which stated: “The slight dip in growth in 2019 is projected to result from the general election in that year with a quick recovery the following year.”
On Inflation
The current World Bank report has, however, aligned with inflationary trend in Nigeria while indicating that a possible policy adjustment by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, sometime down this year would sustain the inflation rate at double digit through 2018.
Inflation rate in Nigeria measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been on steady downward trend in the past 15 consecutive months dropping to 13.34 per cent in March year-on-year, from 14.33 percent in February according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for March 2018.
The latest World Bank report stated: “Inflation in sub-Sahara Africa is projected to moderate slightly in 2018 and 2019 but is expected to remain in double digits in key large economies, reflecting the pass-through effects of currency depreciation and their impact on inflation expectations (Angola), supply factors, and assumed monetary policy accommodation to support fiscal policy (Nigeria).”
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/world-bank-reviews-nigerias-economic-growth-downwards/

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by 2mercy: 2:01am On Sep 13, 2018
cc lalasticlala





this man is a disappointment to our collective intelligence and a slap on our face

8 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Racoon(m): 2:39am On Sep 13, 2018
In his first public comments on the matter since PREMIUM TIMES exposed the scandal in July , Mr Amaechi dismissed widespread criticisms that trailed the process, saying what mattered was that Nigerians were given the opportunity to be trained in China, not how they were selected.

Although this newspaper could not establish that the youth currently on scholarship in China were the same ‘connected youth’ who got their scholarships through the controversial process, the ICPC was told by CCECC officials that only the candidates nominated by ministers and other top officials of the Buhari administration were allowed to take part in the selection interview and made the final list.

Just imagine the disgusting sheer display of egocentric audacity & crass stupidity of a serving minister in a government of change.
Imagine how everyone of them have insulted the collective sensibility of the Nigerian people & the country as an entity
This government is so pathetic in impunity, accountability, corruption and overt wickedness.Any wonder it's an all corruption encaste regime from the president to the least down the ladder.

52 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by miqos03: 11:34am On Sep 13, 2018
Seen. But


See my signature
Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by gaby(m): 11:34am On Sep 13, 2018
I agree with you my guy Amae mae....they shouldn't complain.


They should be stoning and mobbing you rogues and the corrupted according to your dictate some time ago.

If they hadn't chosen to be docile and did as per your suggestion, you sure wouldn't have been here to repeat this yet again.

Enjoy my siggy

17 Likes 1 Share

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by geadom: 11:36am On Sep 13, 2018
hmmm...... who knows the plan
Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by djjosh(m): 11:37am On Sep 13, 2018
As we speak, someone is 4 hours pregnant now, but doesn't know.

1 Like

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by hackman34: 11:39am On Sep 13, 2018
I dont know why some persons here are always taking sides with criminals. I guess they are also planning to become criminals
4 Alarming Signs She is About to Dump You for Another Guy http://trackinfo.ml/4-alarming-signs-she-is-about-to-dump-you-for-another-guy/

2 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by foreshore(m): 11:39am On Sep 13, 2018
ivandragon:
The minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who is accused of manipulating foreign scholarships offered by a government contractor, has defended the selection process that benefited only people nominated by him and other senior officials.


In his first public comments on the matter since PREMIUM TIMES exposed the scandal in July , Mr Amaechi dismissed widespread criticisms that trailed the process, saying what mattered was that Nigerians were given the opportunity to be trained in China, not how they were selected.


The scholarships were offered by a Chinese construction firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The government has been criticised for accepting favours from a contractor.


The scholarship involved the sponsorship of over 40 Nigerian undergraduate students in Chinese universities to study railway engineering. The company said it was part of its social corporate responsibilities.


Rather than make the scholarship available to all eligible Nigerian youth, the scholarship slots were shared among wards of select government ministers and other top public officials.



The top officials, who benefitted were identified in a document used by the construction firm, CCECC, to permit selected candidates to participate in the scholarship interview.



At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Amaechi said Nigerians should not question the selection of candidates, but should be happy to have people trained to take over from CCECC.



The minister initially declined to comment on the controversy, but after answering other questions journalists asked him, he said “the answer to this thing is simple, CCECC has granted us scholarship, how they got their candidates, ask them. I’ve seen the first batch in China. Instead of asking how we chose the candidates, they should ask us about the policy”.



“The policy is that when they come they build roads. Rivers state government house is still being maintained by Julius Berger, is that good? It’s something that any Nigerian should be able to maintain.


“To maintain that place, Julius Berger comes every day and they are paid every month. The month you don’t pay them, you won’t see them.


“If you allow the railway people go without them providing scholarship, when they finish and they go, when the train breaks down you will see that the workers would be sweating but we are very sure that at the end of the day before the Chinese leaves they must have trained our men to take over this thing and that is what is critical not how we chose the candidates,” he said.


“I think the CCECC complied with the law, they did not break any law.”


Protest


On June 21, scores of young Nigerians, who travelled long distances from all over the country, stormed the CCECC headquarters to participate in the scholarship interview after being told the previous day at the Ministry of Transport that no such opportunities exist .


The Chinese firm was conducting interviews for about 42 shortlisted applicants in the scholarship scheme that would see successful candidates train as railway engineers in China.



On getting there, the applicants found that without a signed letter by a minister or permanent secretary, they were not be allowed to participate in the interview.
Only candidates who had been nominated by top officials were allowed for the interview.


In July, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) commenced investigations into the allegations.


The CCECC also told the investigators that the names of students finally selected had been submitted to the Chinese Embassy for processing, sources in the ICPC told PREMIUM TIMES.


They also told the investigators they had concluded the selection process from the list which they claimed they got from the transport ministry.



Last week, PREMIUM TIMES reported how President Muhammadu Buhari visited the first batch of the railway scholarship recipients in China in the course of the 7th Summit of the Forum on China — Africa Cooperation (FOCAC 2018).


Although this newspaper could not establish that the youth currently on scholarship in China were the same ‘connected youth’ who got their scholarships through the controversial process, the ICPC was told by CCECC officials that only the candidates nominated by ministers and other top officials of the Buhari administration were allowed to take part in the selection interview and made the final list.


The controversial railway scholarship is, however, not the only one being provided by the CCECC.



Shortly after the scandal, the CCECC and Chinese government offered more scholarships on railway transportation to university students in the country.


One of such was the award of scholarships to 30 students from the Ahmadu Bello University.


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/283297-amaechi-speaks-on-ccecc-scholarships-scandal-says-nigerians-shouldnt-complain.html


Amaechi has and will continue to be a crook

9 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Nobody: 11:39am On Sep 13, 2018
Yet bmc crew and der children got np slot

7 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Pavore9: 11:39am On Sep 13, 2018
And they want us to be believe they are fighting corruption!

4 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by sejipudet: 11:39am On Sep 13, 2018
is that so........tell me something

2 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Temptee101(m): 11:40am On Sep 13, 2018
This man happens to be one of the so called saints our lifeless Mr integrity appointed and relied on to effect their so called change agenda

Nigeria is in tatters

9 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by babycakilicious: 11:40am On Sep 13, 2018
well done, mr speaker
Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Nobody: 11:41am On Sep 13, 2018
naijapips04:
The zombies sleeping day and night on this forum defending this criminals, how many of you or your brother or sister got this scholarship?

Stupidity is the worse disease anyone can have.
even if you were given the opportunity, you still would not have passed. so what are u making noise for exactly
Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by flyca: 11:41am On Sep 13, 2018
I pray Buhari keeps ruling Nigeria until 2023.
If it's possible, he should via for a life term presidency during his second tenure so that he can rule for life.

BMC and other Zombies may have sense by then kiss

3 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by gurunlocker: 11:42am On Sep 13, 2018
Yet Buhari won't see this as a corruption case... Buhari corruption is only money related.

5 Likes

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by luckyogor(m): 11:42am On Sep 13, 2018
Anytime i see apc i just dey spit and hiss,everything about them na hiss amd spit,baba GOD,abeg release thunder for their headquarters make all this nonsense end,abeg.

11 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by Bizibi(m): 11:42am On Sep 13, 2018
An idiot will write lazy ipob pigs just to show the level of stupidity.

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: Amaechi Speaks On CCECC Scholarships Scandal, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Complain by FarahAideed: 11:43am On Sep 13, 2018
Ladies and Gentlemen it's another hit from " All Progressive Corruption "

12 Likes

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