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Tag: Amaechi

  • $40 billion required to complete 2018 rail, sea port projects – Amaechi

    $40 billion required to complete 2018 rail, sea port projects – Amaechi

    The Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi has said about $40 billion will be required to complete rail and sea port projects set for execution in 2018.

    President Muhammadu Buhari also restated his commitment to link all commercial and production centres in the country via rail to develop the economy and promote national integration.

    The Minister, who disclosed this at the Commissioning of Additional Locomotives and Coaches at the Rigasa Station, Kaduna State restated Federal Government commitment to implementing the project.

    But Amaechi noted  that sourcing for required funds have been a major challenge as talks are ongoing with likely funders to ensure successful project implementation.

    The Minister assured at the commissioning of plans to complete the Lagos – Ibadan rail line this year.

    Describing the project as such that has translated promises to reality, he noted that the two new standard gauge and 20 new executive passenger coaches will boost the aim of achieving an efficient rail system in the country.

    Amaechi said: “We have huge challenges we have to face but one assurance we will give Nigerians is that we will do everything possible to ensure we complete Lagos-Ibadan this year.

    “We are negotiating with contractors and funders who will fund the project.

    “If we are able to conclude the arrangements, taking into consideration Nigeria’s law, then, we will start both this year. That include Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, Kano to Jibia, Abuja to Baru, the sea port in Bonny, sea port in Warri and so many other projects.

    “That’s why I said we will need between $36 and $40 billion. Only God knows where we are going to get it from.”

    The Minister lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to developing the sector and further pleaded for supports from the Finance Ministry.

    Earlier, the President said the new rail system will support and ease transportation in the country.

    He restated his commitment to reviving the rail sector.

    He called for stakeholders support especially from the National Assembly and lauded the transport Minister for his hardwork on projects.

  • Amaechi to Wike: stop breeding militants

    The Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi yesterday urged Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, to take up his responsibilities seriously in order to secure the state.

    Speaking on the killings in Rivers state, Amaechi pushed for more criteria other than age for as condition for seeking the governor’s office.

    He said: “I think the governor needs to get a bit more serious, he should stop encouraging the militant groups in the name of politics and election. You heard about 21 only in Omoku, what about in Akutoru where two person were killed, what about other LGA. I think there should be much more than age to qualify to be a governor because it takes much more than age.

    “I was governor of Rivers State, I did not play PDP/APC politics, life is life it has no symbol. Nobody has APC life or PDP life. The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires, is that you swear to protect lives and property.

    “When you don’t protect life and property what do you do? Is it impeachment? Unfortunately there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.

    “Too much noise coming from Rivers State, the governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people that’s all he does. Mr. Project painting roads, the first thing you do is human capacity development and keeping human beings and we are losing lives every day.

    “Two important men were kidnapped before I left Port Harcourt, the first person is Chief Adoke till today, nearly one month after nobody can tell you where he is. The next person is Chief Omogu was kidnapped luckily the villagers ran after the people and rescued the old man from the bush.

    “It never happened when I was governor. We (the security and myself) ensured that we will not sleep at night. We stayed awake for then citizens to sleep, I think the governor needs to do much more than that or quit the office.” he added

    On what is lacking in Wike, he said “I just don’t know because the things are there for him to work with. He is not like me when during my second term the President Goodluck Jonathan took away Police, SSS, the Army brigade commander couldn’t visit me but in his case everyone is disposed to him.

    “He can see the commissioner of Police, director SSS, unlike my period but we fought insecurity. But because he needs these people for election purpose that is why they are still there, that is why they are killing we need much more than that.

    “Unfortunately, I swore not to be talking about Rivers anymore but you don’t keep quiet in the face of 21 lives, you can’t just keep quiet. I have said it that nobody should criticize us, successor let him do his beat but a successor that watches the lives of people go like that and does not care? God will bless him.” he stated

  • Amaechi to Wike: Improve your performance or quit

    Amaechi to Wike: Improve your performance or quit

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday charged Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to take up his responsibilities seriously in order to secure the state.

    At least 21 people were killed  in the state on Monday.

    The victims were returning from New Year service when they were attacked by unknown gunmen in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Amaechi pushed for inclusion of more requirements other than age for position of governor.

    He said: “I think the governor needs to get a bit more serious, he should stop encouraging the militant groups in the name of politics and election. You heard about 21 only in Omoku, what about in Akutoru where two person were killed, what about other LGA. I think there should be much more than age to qualify to be a governor because it takes much more than age.

    “I was governor of Rivers State, I did not play PDP/APC politics, life is life and it has no symbol. Nobody has APC life or PDP life. The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires is that you swear to protect lives and property.

    “When you don’t protect life and property what do you do? Is impeachment. Unfortunately there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.

    “Too much noise coming from Rivers State, the governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people that’s all he does. Mr. Project painting roads, the first thing you do is human capacity development and keeping human beings and we are losing lives every day.

    “Two important men were kidnapped before I left Port Harcourt, the first person is Chief Adoke till today, nearly one month after nobody can tell you where he is. The next person to be kidnapped was Chief Omogu. Luckily the villagers ran after the people and rescued the old man from the bush.

    “It never happened when I was governor. We (the security and myself) ensured that we will not sleep at night. We stayed awake for the citizens to sleep. I think the governor needs to do much more than that or quit the office.”

     

     

  • How Amaechi warned me not to dare to vie for Rivers governorship in 2019 — Senator Magnus Abe

    How Amaechi warned me not to dare to vie for Rivers governorship in 2019 — Senator Magnus Abe

    The Senator representing Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe, an indigene of Bera-Ogoni in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) between 2007 and 2011 when the Transportation Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, was Rivers State Governor. In this interview with our Bureau Chief in Port Harcourt, BISI OLANIYI, the lawyer, who was a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State in 2015, says he is not an over-ambitious politician and he describes Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a very smart politician, among other issues. Excerpts:

    How will you describe the crisis rocking the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)?

    The sum total of the interview by Senator Andrew Uchendu (of Rivers East Senatorial District, also of APC) was to paint me as a politician with inordinate ambition, determined to pursue his personal quest for office at all costs; that I have no credibility, broke my his words; that I refused to help build the APC in Rivers State; that I did not support Rotimi Amaechi in 2007, but rather appeared when victory was achieved to claim the position of SSG; that I am an ingrate who has been given more than I deserve; that the South-South zonal visit of the APC confirmed that there was no crisis in the party in Rivers State.

    My initial reaction was disbelief. I could not believe that Chief Uchendu was responsible for the concoctions. I waited for the fiery disclaimer that I was certain would follow, but the deafening silence that followed led to the sad conclusion that the words and comments in the interview represented the views of my colleague (Senator Uchendu).

    Throughout this period, I have been very guarded in my public comments, believing that in a disagreement of this nature between close friends, it is better to leave certain things unsaid, no matter the provocation. I have never believed or hoped that the disagreement between us would be permanent. Therefore, while we could say a lot of unprintable things about one another in private, maturity and common sense demand that we avoid taking our dirty linen to the market place. We all have enough of such linen and at the end of the day, we would all return to the same market place where we have washed them. There will be no winner.

    Whatever our differences are today, I had enjoyed a very robust and mutually-beneficial relationship with Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and I honestly do not see what our disagreement is about, to make it so spiteful and hate-filled. It was for that reason that I held my peace and allowed the public narrative that the Hon. Minister of Transportation asked myself and Dr. Dakuku Peterside (Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, who was the governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State during the 2015 election) to stop running for governor and first build the party to stand, even though we all know that, that story is not only false, but it is one that paints me in very poor light as an over ambitious politician, which I am not.

    Are you sure you are not an over ambitious politician?

    One sure way of predicting what a man will do in the future is to look back at what he did in the past. In 2003, when we were all in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my friend, Senator Lee Meaba (an Ogoni) was given the Rivers South East senatorial  district’s ticket by the party in rather controversial circumstances. I not only accepted the result but I followed Senator Lee Meaba to all the seven LGAs in the senatorial district (Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro and Oyigbo) to campaign for him. In 2015, when I was not given the APC’s governorship ticket, I equally followed my brother, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and I campaigned. So, my actions in the past do not qualify me for the toga with which I am now being clothed.

    The truth of the matter is that the Hon. Minister of Transportation, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, drove to my residence in Abuja on December 29, 2016, a few weeks after the rerun elections, for what I initially thought was a normal visit. My entire family received him with much joy. After some chitchats, he asked to speak with me in the presence of my wife. We both sat down, he then disclosed that the real reason he came was that he had heard from two very important Nigerians that I am interested in running for governor of Rivers State in 2019, and he came to warn me not dare it. He said: “Do not try it. I am warning you in front of your wife, so that tomorrow, you will not say that I did not warn you. I am a fighter and I will fight you with everything. I will report you to the President. In any case, I set up the party’s (APC’s) structure. I set it up for Dakuku Peterside and so, you cannot win any primary election within the APC in Rivers State.” He went further to disclose that even Peterside is going nowhere this time, because “I am going to take the structure back from him and I will bring Tonye Cole as the candidate.”

    What was your reaction when Transportation Minister said you should not dare to vie as Rivers governor in 2019?

    I told him that no one had started running yet because it was not yet time, but I pleaded with my friend (Amaechi) to give everyone, including me and Dr. Peterside, a chance and he said no. He further stated that Dr. Peterside was out and he could not consider me because I did not support Dr. Peterside in 2015. I was shocked to hear that, because it was clear to me that this was a new narrative that was being constructed to justify his present position and I told the transportation minister there and then that those who are saying I did not support the party in 2015 will answer to God. I also told him that I had not taken a decision on the matter, but anywhere I go and anyone says I will be governor of Rivers State, I will respond with a loud ‘Amen!’

    Two things struck me from that visit. If the party structure was set up for Dr. Peterside, it means the decision to make Dr. Peterside the candidate was taken before the party structure was set up. So, what was the entire drama of 2015 about? Secondly, If you know that I cannot win the primaries, why not just keep quiet and allow me to fail honorably, if I decide to contest? Why come to my house to humiliate me before my family when I have not even taken a decision to contest?

    He (Amaechi) was offended by my answer because he called another meeting, this time with my elder brother, Dr. Abe, who has always been like a father to both of us, in attendance along with my wife and stated the same position.

    I still insisted that I would say ‘Amen’ anywhere anyone says I will be governor. So, Senator Uchendu knew about those meetings and he knew about Amaechi’s position. The meetings at The Dome (in Port Harcourt) was just a window dressing but I played along and I refused to talk about the private meetings for obvious reasons.

    Senator Uchendu knew that the public spin about “wait, let us build the party first” is a false narrative set up to justify the campaign to stop Senator Abe by all means. I was not told to wait and build the party. Everyone knew that we were already building the party. I was told not to contest for Rivers governorship in 2019 long before the meeting at The Dome to which Senator Uchendu referred, was convened.

    It is now clear that the decision to stop me was taken long ago. That is exactly what Governor Nyesom Wike warned me about when he came to my house prior to his decision to leave the group. What is happening in Rivers APC has nothing to do with building the party. It is all about stopping Senator Abe.

    Senator Uchendu accused you of not supporting Amaechi’s struggle in 2007 during the K-leg era in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, before the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment of October 25, 2007, which sacked Sir Celestine Omehia, with Amaechi inaugurated as governor on October 26, 2007?

    I first heard the story from a mutual friend of myself and the minister of transportation, as part of the reasons why the transportation minister is fighting so hard to stop me. So, it is not original to Senator Uchendu. In Uchendu’s own account, rather than giving instances of what I did against Amaechi, he gave two instances of events in support of Amaechi, which he claimed I participated in. To me, that is another issue that should be left in the hands of God. That is now a moot point. Most of those who were with Amaechi this month, celebrating his 2007 victory, were not there in 2007.

    The day Amaechi left for Ghana, he formally called myself and the present governor, Nyesom Wike, and he told us he was leaving us in charge. The meeting Chief Uchendu referred to, I did not just attend, I led the delegation. Wike was not the only lawyer in our team and nobody asked Wike to go and liaise with lawyers. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, was hired by Sir (Dr.) Peter Odili (Rivers governor between 1999 and 2007). Wike took on that role, based on his conviction and commitment to the struggle. Nobody stopped Uchendu from doing the same thing. Dr. Sampson Parker, who is a medical doctor, was equally doing it. We should give people their due and not try to rewrite history every time we have a disagreement. Senator Uchendu attended meetings with Wike and myself in my house. He (Uchendu) attended meetings with Wike and myself in Dappa Addo’s house. We all went to Ghana together to see Amaechi, but today he (Uchendu) claims he did not see me until I became SSG.

    There is always this attempt to play down on Wike’s contributions to our success in the court. Wike was pivotal to what happened in the court, just as I was to how we got the nomination. When Amaechi was in Ghana, he (Amaechi) was speaking with me more than five times everyday. At a stage, I was the only person in Odili’s government he was speaking with. When Amaechi came back from Ghana, immediately after he was sworn in as governor, he appointed Wike Chief of Staff and appointed me SSG. So, if Senator Uchendu felt that the then governor (Amaechi) in his wisdom, chose to appoint people who did not support his struggles to such strategic positions in his government, then too bad.

    Senator Uchendu said you nominated Mr. Derek Mene, an Ogoni, who is not a qualified accountant, to be the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Is it true?

    This is the same Senator Uchendu, a national honours holder, who said there was no division in the APC in Rivers State, mischievously tearing his party man apart in the media. Mr. Mene was appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, screened and confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His certificates were inspected by all these institutions and he was found worthy and qualified. By stating on the pages of national newspapers that Mene is not a qualified accountant, what exactly is Senator Uchendu telling Nigerians about the judgments of the President who made this appointment and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, of which he is part, that confirmed the appointment of the President?

    Today, Mr. Mene is daily threatened and vilified by APC members like Senator Uchendu. Why? I will tell you.

    The minister of transportation called Mr. Mene thrice and asked him to join and lead the campaign against Senator Abe in Ogoniland and Mr. Mene pleaded that such a campaign would be counter-productive and would destroy the party in the area. Mr. Mene was threatened with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with dismissal and now with suspension for refusing to join in an unjust battle against a brother and fellow party man. Mr. Mene has been ordered to either keep out of Rivers politics or face his waterloo, while every other appointee from Rivers State is neck deep in Rivers politics. Why is the case of Mr. Mene different?

    If Mr. Mene had joined in destroying Senator Abe, his certificates would be perfect. It is this kind of hypocrisy that makes Senator Uchendu’s brand of politics distasteful and childish. If I offer any apologies to an elder like Senator Uchendu, it is a reflection of my upbringing, it cannot be quoted as an endorsement of bad behaviour.

    Again, on the appointment of the EDFA, the transportation minister had promised me after the general elections that in setting up the Federal Government, my interest would be placed above every other interest within the APC family in Rivers State, including his own. This promise was not conditional on my having no future ambition. It was a promise made to me based on an honest assessment of my contributions and support to the party in Rivers State. We must look to our conscience and live up our words.

    On this whole issue of betrayal, after the decision of the then Governor Amaechi, which gave Dr. Peterside the governorship ticket of APC in Rivers State in 2014, the Rt. Hon. Amaechi met with Ogoni leaders, including King G.N.K. Gininwa, the President of MOSOP, the President of KAGOTE (Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme), political and religious leaders of Ogoni and told them that it was the turn of Ogoni, but that the reason the Ogoni people did not get the ticket was because they did not start the agitation on time. He (Amaechi) promised the Ogoni people that as they would be leaving the Government House, Port Harcourt, they should start their agitations and make noise to the highest heavens and that the next opportunity that would come for the governorship of Rivers State, he (Amaechi) would lead the Ogoni demand, because it is the right thing to do. So, what really is the issue today? Luckily, all those who attended the meeting are still alive.

    Did the transportation minister sponsor your case at the tribunal?

    Let me publicly thank Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for paying the legal fees of our lead solicitors, Lateef Fagbemi & Co. Nothing in our present situation should imply that I am ungrateful, but Senator Uchendu should have realised that Lateef Fagbemi & Co., though the lead solicitors, were not the only solicitors representing the APC family in the tribunal and the Appeal Court cases. Myself, Hon. Chidi Wihioka, Hon. Barinadaa Mpigi and Hon. Maurice Pronen hired and are still paying the other solicitors that represented members of the APC family and we also made a lot of other expenses in the cause of that litigation, which benefited all APC litigants, including Senator Uchendu and others who were and remain at the forefront of the campaign to stop Senator Abe.

    What of the allegation of your fraternising with Governor Nyesom Wike of PDP, who recently gave Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to all the members of the National Assembly from Rivers State?

    I laughed when I read that part of the interview. Senator Uchendu’s relationship with me changed dramatically when the transportation minister’s preference became obvious. For the records, when the face-off between Wike and the minister of transportation began, I refused, I pleaded with the transportation minister, who was then the governor of Rivers State, not to fight Wike, while we found a solution. The impasse continued until Wike met with me at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and told me not to bother, that he would never have anything to do with Amaechi anymore. I went back to Amaechi and I told him that it was over. Even when they were fighting, I continued to refer to Wike in public, as my brother. My problem with Wike was when he came into my senatorial district to viciously contest for my seat. The elections are over. Wike is the governor, I am the senator. If I see him, I must acknowledge him. There is no romance between me and Wike. Senator Uchendu can write to request a courtesy visit with the Rivers governor and meet with him, if Wike agrees to do so and that will not be romance, but if Senator Abe exchanged pleasantries with the same man (Wike) at a public event or joined a senate committee, of which I am a member, to pay a courtesy call on the Rivers governor, then that is romance. What do you call such duplicity?

    Wike is a very smart politician and he can clearly see the division and the crisis in the APC, which Senator Uchendu cannot see. So, he (Wike) will do what he can to take advantage of it, in the hope that people like Senator Uchendu will not see it until it is too late.

    Let me use this opportunity to reassure Rivers people that I understand the game and I understand my friends, whether they are in APC, PDP or even APGA (All Progressives Grand Alliance). There is no enmity, but there will be no compromise on the future of Rivers State. You can take that to the bank.

  • I’ve no preferred candidate for governor, says Amaechi

    I’ve no preferred candidate for governor, says Amaechi

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he has no preferred candidate among members of All Progressives Congress (APC), who want to be Rivers State governor in 2019.

    He said a level-playing field would be ensured during the primaries.

    Amaechi, the leader of APC in the state and Southsouth, spoke in Port Harcourt while meeting Kalabari leaders of the party from Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru and Degema local governments.

    He said: “Believe me, I have no preferred candidate. When the time comes, we will hold a free and fair primary election. Whoever wins, his/her allegiance should be to the party faithful.

    “Most politicians at my level have shifted their attention to national politics. 2019 is not about me, it is about you.”

    The leaders used the occasion to reinforce their resolve to work with Amaechi and APC, to remove in 2019, the “terribly-wasteful Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government.”

    Sources at the meeting said there were two highlights, namely the constitution of the novel Pan-Kalabari Elders’ Council and the leadership committees of the three councils.

    It was disclosed that the elders’ council had Chief Bekinbo Soberekon as chairman, Beks Dagogo-Jack, an engineer, as deputy chairman and Prince Tonye Princewill as secretary.

    Members of the council cut across the three Kalabari local governments. They include Levy Braide, an engineer, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Lolo Ibieneye, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Charles Ijuye, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, Mrs. Joeba West, among others.

    The sources gave the names of chairmen of the local governments’ leadership committees as Ojukaye Flag-Amachree (Asari-Toru), Sokonte Davis (Degema) and Christian Don-Pedro (Akuku-Toru).

    Amaechi was quoted as saying that APC faithful must learn to make sacrifices and resist the temptation of material benefits, if they want to win the 2019 elections.

    He noted that the time was overdue for leaders on the Kalabari axis to unite and rise up against the effects of militancy and criminality, especially in terms of education, economic activities and quality of lives.

    The minister said while he did not believe in upland/riverine politics, after 20 years, the riverine areas should be given an opportunity to produce the next governor.

    He enjoined the leaders to spread their voter base across Kalabari towns and villages, to build a united mass movement in support of APC for 2019 elections, saying a united Kalabari formation was critical to realising their aspirations.

    The Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside and the representative of Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe, are the leading governorship aspirants.

     

  • Amaechi, Abe battle over Rivers 2019 governorship

    Amaechi, Abe battle over Rivers 2019 governorship

    A battle is looming between two former close allies and friends, the Minister of Transport and the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers Southeast District at the National Assembly. They are set to clash over the 2019 governorship race. Port Harcourt Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI examines the intrigues and power play that led to their parting of ways.

    THE Minister of Transportation and the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Abe who represents Rivers Southeast Senatorial District at the National Assembly, were bosom friends and close political associates who have worked together. Abe himself once admitted that he has benefitted immensely from Amaechi’s political benevolence. The indigene of Bera-Ogoni, in Gokana Local Government Area, was the Secretary to the Government (SSG) in Amaechi’s administration, between 2007 and 2011. Thereafter, he was given the ruling party’s ticket under the same administration to proceed to the Senate in 2011.

    But, the two of them are now on collision course over the 2019 governorship battle in the state. Before the last general elections in 2015, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State zoned the governorship to Rivers Southeast senatorial district. The other zones, Rivers East and West senatorial districts, have produced governors; either in the new Rivers State or the old Rivers State, before Bayelsa State was created by the administration of the late Gen. Sani Abacha on October 1, 1996.

    Rivers Southeast senatorial district has never produced a governor since the creation of the state on May 27, 1967, so the APC’s zoning arrangement was hailed as a move to ensure equity, justice and fairness in the multi-ethnic state. Apart from senatorial zones, there is also the upland and riverine dichotomy in Rivers State. The upland part has been producing governors since 1999, but the riverine part, which also includes Rivers Southeast incidentally, has never produced a governor. That was why Amaechi who is the leader of the APC in the state pushed for a riverine person to succeed him in 2015.

    This led to the emergence of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives who hails from coastal town of Opobo, as the governorship candidate. But, he was defeated in the controversial election by Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Abe who was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in 2015 is now insisting that the zoning arrangement should subsist in 2019, so he can realise his ambition of governing the state. But this development does not go well with Amaechi, who recently accused Abe of betraying him, by fraternising with Governor Wike. The minister also accused his former associate of equally fraternizing with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, another arch enemy of the APC chieftain. He concluded by saying that Abe could not be trusted with governorship power.

    The senator believes he deserves the governorship ticket, because he assisted the minister when he was in dire need of help, when he was fighting to recover his mandate after the 2007 election. The battle for the APC governorship ticket between the feuding chieftains, who almost share the same birthday — Abe was born on May 24, 1965, while Amaechi born on May 27, 1965 – is likely to fester as 2019 approaches.

    An ally of Abe, who pleaded for anonymity, stated that when the senator was the Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003, then as a member of the defunct All People’s Party (APP), which later became the now defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), with Amaechi as the Speaker for eight years (1999 to 2007), that Abe greatly assisted and supported Amaechi for peace and stability in the House, especially between 1999 and 2003.

    The source noted that when Abe later defected to the PDP and he was made Rivers Commissioner for Information by the then Governor Peter Odili, that Abe and Amaechi closely worked together. He added that the senator was one of Amaechi’s backers when he was fighting to recover his mandate. Amaechi later triumphed and was inaugurated as governor on October 26, 2007, following the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court the previous day, which sacked Sir Celestine Omehia as governor.

    Shortly after Amaechi became governor, he made Abe the SSG and Wike, a former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, emerged the Chief of Staff. The then governor later recommended Wike for ministerial appointment in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Some months ago, the transportation minister held meetings with APC stakeholders at the residence of Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro at No. 13, Woluchor Street, Rumukalagbor, Port Harcourt and the house of a former Chairman of Etche Local Government, Reginand Ukwuoma, a lawyer, at Tombia Extension, Port Harcourt. At that meeting, most loyalists of Abe were removed as leaders of the APC at the local government level; a decision Amaechi described as a move to strengthen and reposition the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    In an earlier meeting in Port Harcourt with party stakeholders, the minister had urged aspirants for elective positions in 2019 to hold on and to avoid overheating the polity. But, thousands of party chieftains from the 23 local councils loyal to Abe recently called on the senator to declare his ambition for the governorship ticket on the party’s platform. They declared that political parties exist primarily to win elections, and not to pander to the whims and caprices of individuals and that each person was free to make his/her political choices without fear.

    The APC stakeholders loyal to Abe met for over two hours at Tana Event Centre, King Perekule Street, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Phase 2, Port Harcourt and later issued a six-point communique. The communique was read to reporters and APC stakeholders by a former Rivers Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms.

    APC stakeholders who attended meeting include: Senator Wilson Ake, who until 2015 represented Rivers West senatorial district; ex-Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha; and a former Mayor (Chairman) of Port Harcourt, Chimbiko Akarolo.

    Indications are that Amaechi is going to give the APC governorship ticket to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, once again. An oil magnate, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who had shown interest in the 2019 governorship race, is believed to be heading for the Senate, to represent Rivers West district. Lulu-Briggs recently defected to the APC from the PDP.

    Wike, a former Minister of State for Education, is, however, determined to be a vice-presidential candidate to a presidential candidate from the North, while grooming an ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, also an Ikwerre as the current Rivers governor, to succeed him in 2019.

    Stakeholders had deliberated on the state of the party in Rivers State ahead of the 2019 general elections. The stakeholders said: “Without equivocation and with the power and support of both the APC’s constitution and the Nigerian constitution, the meeting stated that Senator Magnus Ngei Abe’s eminent qualification to aspire to the office of governor of Rivers State, under our party, could not be questioned.

    “Accordingly, the meeting called on him (Senator Abe) to present himself for the 2019 governorship, under our great party, the APC, as he clearly has the support and approval of a vast majority of our party faithful.”

    The stakeholders also expressed gratitude to members who were genuinely dismayed and broken-hearted and fiercely discriminated against in the party, on account of their political orientation and the style of leadership, which they alleged had been instilling fear and threats for associating with Abe, especially for not leaving the party, but continued to stay on and contribute meaningfully for the advancement of the APC.

    They said: “The meeting drew attention to the deep and strong division in the party, which division, if not checked and resolved, will bode ill for the party’s electoral outing. The meeting strongly urged the State Working Committee (SWC) to strive for independence, impartiality and inclusiveness, if the party must come out of the present low morale of members.

    “The meeting affirmed the right of all party members to have ambition within the party, openly express it, canvass, lobby and rally support for its actualisation, without fear and within the laws and constitution of the party. The meeting insisted that it was only thereby that the party would be built, rather than through the handpicking of candidates, as was done in the past, in line with the change agenda of our great party.”

    Abe was, however, urged by members of the Forum of APC Chairmen in the 23 local councils to call his supporters to order. The council chairmen also pledged their unflinching and unalloyed loyalty to the party, under the chairmanship of Chief Davies Ikanya, and the leadership of the Minister of Transportation.

    Members of the forum, which has as Chairman, Gift Loveday, who chairs the party in Abua/Odual Local Government, had at a press conference in Port Harcourt accused Abe’s supporters of displaying uncontrollable impudence, insult and outright disobedience to the party’s constituted authority.

    The forum said it was not in doubt that the APC would reward all faithful members. The chairmen admonished the leadership of the party not to hesitate to take firm disciplinary measures against all errant members, irrespective of the status of anyone or group involved.

    In an interactive session with reporters, Rivers APC chairman, Ikanya, also urged members of the party to imbibe team spirit and respect the party’s leadership, as it works toward victory in 2019. He assured them of fairness in handling individual and collective interests, as they concerned the growth of the APC. He also urged members, especially at the unit and ward levels, to channel ideas that would help to strengthen participation and boost the party’s relevance at the grassroots.

    Ikanya also urged APC members to take advantage of the commitments of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to strengthen the party.

    At a stakeholders meeting in Bori, Khana Local Government, Ogoni leaders called on Abe to vie for Rivers governorship in 2019 on the platform of the APC. In a communiqué, APC leaders from the council said: “As partners, populous in electoral capacity, but absent in representative leadership, we are pleading with all our neighbours in Rivers State to join us collectively as we ask that an Ogoni son to be considered for governorship of Rivers State in 2019.

    Since the creation of Rivers State on May 27, 1967, Ogoni people have not held offices as chief judge, speaker, deputy governor, and governor. The Ogoni is one of the most populated ethnic groups in the Rivers Southeast senatorial district. We resolved that an Ogoni son should be given the opportunity for governorship of Rivers State on APC platform in 2019. Senator Magnus Abe, an Ogoni son, from Bera in Gokana Local Government, should present himself in this capacity.

    “APC leaders from Khana appreciated the fact that there are numerous Ogoni sons and daughters, who are eminently qualified, but the political investments of Senator Magnus Abe communicated a competitive edge that makes his marketability more appealing. The Khana meeting strongly urged the State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC to strive for independence, impartiality and inclusiveness, if the party must come out of the present low morale of members.”

    APC leaders Abe had the support and approval of the vast majority of the Khana people.

     

  • FEC approves N3bn for Ikorodu lighter terminal

    FEC approves N3bn for Ikorodu lighter terminal

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved N3 billion for the Ikorodu lighter terminal project.

    This was disclosed by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, at the end of FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

  • Costain, Jibowu bridges to go

    Costain, Jibowu bridges to go

    •Jibowu, Costain bridges to be demolished   •Track-laying  begins in April

    Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has expressed his dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

    It was the first time the minister would be hard since he began his monthly supervision of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) contractor handling the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge line.

    He said by now, he expected that the contractor would have commenced track laying, but has been assured by the engineers that rails could be laid in a month.

    The minister also affirmed that the Jibowu and Costain bridges in Lagos State would be demolished, adding that he had a tour of the impediments with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday, where decisions were reached to pull the two bridges down.

    He asserted that the December 2018 date for the $1.5 billion rail project remains sacrosanct.

    The minister said: “I am telling them that I am not satisfied with the pace at which they are going.

    “I am a layman, the Chairman and the MD are engineers. But as a layman, I think by now they should have started laying tracks in some areas and that I have not seen even though the MD said in one months the tracks can be laid.

    “I want to see that we are ready to lay the tracks.”

    The minister added that President Muhammadu Buhari would commission two locomotives and 10 coaches before Christmas.

    On some of the challenges affecting the completion of the project, the minister said: “There is no way you can do construction without challenges in different forms and kinds and you have to address them.

    “The challenges are not even here in Ogun, they are worse in Lagos. We are dealing with water, drainage, gas, power and the military. The only thing we are dealing with here is just gas and a few power transmission lines and we can manage it.”

    On the demolition of Jibowu and Costain bridges, he said: “I was on a tour with Governor of Lagos Akinwunmi Ambode and we have agreed that the two bridges will come down.

    He, however, expressed optimism that the project would be delivered by December next year.

    Amaechi said: “Be rest assured that we are chasing the Chinese to finish in December 2018. Don’t forget the contract is three years and that is their argument but our own argument is that we need it before 2019 January.

    On the commissioning of more coaches and locomotives, Amaechi said: “Two locomotives and ten coaches came into the country and the President will be commissioning it this December.

    “We want to make sure that those travelling from Abuja to Kaduna are able to use the new coaches.”

    Amaechi said track laying on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge line will begin in April 2018.

    Speaking after the project’s steering committee meeting, which included management of the ministry, governments of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo, with the contractor, Amaechi said the delays was as a result of the challenges the contractor met on site.

    By the earlier schedule, CCECC ought to begin track laying in December.

    He said: “I have been assured that once the track laying starts, it would not stop until December, to enable Mr. President inaugurate it by January 2019.”

    He restated commitment to the December 2018 deadline, saying the pace of work is encouraging.

  • Amaechi, Abe battle over Rivers 2019 governorship

    Amaechi, Abe battle over Rivers 2019 governorship

    A political battle is looming between two former close allies and friends, the Minister of Transportation and the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Abe who represents Rivers Southeast Senatorial District at the National Assembly. They are set to clash over the 2019 governorship race. Port Harcourt Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI examines the intrigues and power-play that led to their parting of ways.

    THE Minister of Transportation and the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Abe who represents Rivers Southeast Senatorial District at the National Assembly, were bosom friends and close political associates who have worked together. Abe himself once admitted that he has benefitted immensely from Amaechi’s political benevolence. The indigene of Bera-Ogoni, in Gokana Local Government Area, was the Secretary to the Government (SSG) in Amaechi’s administration, between 2007 and 2011. Thereafter, he was given the ruling party’s ticket under the same administration to proceed to the Senate in 2011.

    But, the two of them are now on collision course over the 2019 governorship battle in the state. Before the last general elections in 2015, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State zoned the governorship to Rivers Southeast senatorial district. The other zones, Rivers East and West senatorial districts, have produced governors; either in the new Rivers State or the old Rivers State, before Bayelsa State was created by the administration of the late Gen. Sani Abacha on October 1, 1996.

    Rivers Southeast senatorial district has never produced a governor since the creation of the state on May 27, 1967, so the APC’s zoning arrangement was hailed as a move to ensure equity, justice and fairness in the multi-ethnic state. Apart from senatorial zones, there is also the upland and riverine dichotomy in Rivers State. The upland part has been producing governors since 1999, but the riverine part, which also includes Rivers Southeast incidentally, has never produced a governor. That was why Amaechi who is the leader of the APC in the state pushed for a riverine person to succeed him in 2015.

    This led to the emergence of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives who hails from coastal town of Opobo, as the governorship candidate. But, he was defeated in the controversial election by Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Abe who was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in 2015 is now insisting that the zoning arrangement should subsist in 2019, so he can realize his ambition of governing the state. But this development does not go well with Amaechi, who recently accused Abe of betraying him, by fraternising with Governor Wike. The minister also accused his former associate of equally fraternizing with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, another arch enemy of the APC chieftain. He concluded by saying that Abe could not be trusted with governorship power.

    The senator believes he deserves the governorship ticket, because he assisted the minister when he was in dire need of help, when he was fighting to recover his mandate after the 2007 election. The battle for the APC governorship ticket between the feuding chieftains, who almost share the same birthday — Abe was born on May 24, 1965, while Amaechi born on May 27, 1965 – is likely to fester as 2019 approaches.

    An ally of Abe, who pleaded for anonymity, stated that when the senator was the Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003, then as a member of the defunct All People’s Party (APP), which later became the now defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), with Amaechi as the Speaker for eight years (1999 to 2007), that Abe greatly assisted and supported Amaechi for peace and stability in the House, especially between 1999 and 2003.

    The source noted that when Abe later defected to the PDP and he was made Rivers Commissioner for Information by the then Governor Peter Odili, that Abe and Amaechi closely worked together. He added that the senator was one of Amaechi’s backers when he was fighting to recover his mandate. Amaechi later triumphed and was inaugurated as governor on October 26, 2007, following the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court the previous day, which sacked Sir Celestine Omehia as governor.

    Shortly after Amaechi became governor, he made Abe the SSG and Wike, a former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, emerged the Chief of Staff. The then governor later recommended Wike for ministerial appointment in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Some months ago, the transportation minister held meetings with APC stakeholders at the residence of Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro at No. 13, Woluchor Street, Rumukalagbor, Port Harcourt and the house of a former Chairman of Etche Local Government, Reginand Ukwuoma, a lawyer, at Tombia Extension, Port Harcourt. At that meeting, most loyalists of Abe were removed as leaders of the APC at the local government level; a decision Amaechi described as a move to strengthen and reposition the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    In an earlier meeting in Port Harcourt with party stakeholders, the minister had urged aspirants for elective positions in 2019 to hold on and to avoid overheating the polity. But, thousands of party chieftains from the 23 local councils loyal to Abe recently called on the senator to declare his ambition for the governorship ticket on the party’s platform. They declared that political parties exist primarily to win elections, and not to pander to the whims and caprices of individuals and that each person was free to make his/her political choices without fear.

    The APC stakeholders loyal to Abe met for over two hours at Tana Event Centre, King Perekule Street, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Phase 2, Port Harcourt and later issued a six-point communique. The communique was read to reporters and APC stakeholders by a former Rivers Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms.

    APC stakeholders who attended meeting include: Senator Wilson Ake, who until 2015 represented Rivers West senatorial district; ex-Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha; and a former Mayor (Chairman) of Port Harcourt, Chimbiko Akarolo.

    Indications are that Amaechi is going to give the APC governorship ticket to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, once again. An oil magnate, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who had shown interest in the 2019 governorship race, is believed to be heading for the Senate, to represent Rivers West district. Lulu-Briggs recently defected to the APC from the PDP.

     

    Wike, a former Minister of State for Education, is, however, determined to be a vice-presidential candidate to a presidential candidate from the North, while grooming an ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, also an Ikwerre as the current Rivers governor, to succeed him in 2019.

     

    Stakeholders had deliberated on the state of the party in Rivers State ahead of the 2019 general elections. The stakeholders said: “Without equivocation and with the power and support of both the APC’s constitution and the Nigerian constitution, the meeting stated that Senator Magnus Ngei Abe’s eminent qualification to aspire to the office of governor of Rivers State, under our party, could not be questioned.

    “Accordingly, the meeting called on him (Senator Abe) to present himself for the 2019 governorship, under our great party, the APC, as he clearly has the support and approval of a vast majority of our party faithful.”

    The stakeholders also expressed gratitude to members who were genuinely dismayed and broken-hearted and fiercely discriminated against in the party, on account of their political orientation and the style of leadership, which they alleged had been instilling fear and threats for associating with Abe, especially for not leaving the party, but continued to stay on and contribute meaningfully for the advancement of the APC.

    They said: “The meeting drew attention to the deep and strong division in the party, which division, if not checked and resolved, will bode ill for the party’s electoral outing. The meeting strongly urged the State Working Committee (SWC) to strive for independence, impartiality and inclusiveness, if the party must come out of the present low morale of members.

    “The meeting affirmed the right of all party members to have ambition within the party, openly express it, canvass, lobby and rally support for its actualisation, without fear and within the laws and constitution of the party. The meeting insisted that it was only thereby that the party would be built, rather than through the handpicking of candidates, as was done in the past, in line with the change agenda of our great party.”

    Abe was, however, urged by members of the Forum of APC Chairmen in the 23 local councils to call his supporters to order. The council chairmen also pledged their unflinching and unalloyed loyalty to the party, under the chairmanship of Chief Davies Ikanya, and the leadership of the Minister of Transportation.

    Members of the forum, which has as Chairman, Gift Loveday, who chairs the party in Abua/Odual Local Government, had at a press conference in Port Harcourt accused Abe’s supporters of displaying uncontrollable impudence, insult and outright disobedience to the party’s constituted authority.

    The forum said it was not in doubt that the APC would reward all faithful members. The chairmen admonished the leadership of the party not to hesitate to take firm disciplinary measures against all errant members, irrespective of the status of anyone or group involved.

    In an interactive session with reporters, Rivers APC chairman, Ikanya, also urged members of the party to imbibe team spirit and respect the party’s leadership, as it works toward victory in 2019. He assured them of fairness in handling individual and collective interests, as they concerned the growth of the APC. He also urged members, especially at the unit and ward levels, to channel ideas that would help to strengthen participation and boost the party’s relevance at the grassroots.

    Ikanya also urged APC members to take advantage of the commitments of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to strengthen the party.

    At a stakeholders meeting in Bori, Khana Local Government, Ogoni leaders called on Abe to vie for Rivers governorship in 2019 on the platform of the APC. In a communiqué, APC leaders from the council said: “As partners, populous in electoral capacity, but absent in representative leadership, we are pleading with all our neighbours in Rivers State to join us collectively as we ask that an Ogoni son to be considered for governorship of Rivers State in 2019.

    “Since the creation of Rivers State on May 27, 1967, Ogoni people have not held offices as chief judge, speaker, deputy governor, and governor. The Ogoni is one of the most populated ethnic groups in the Rivers Southeast senatorial district. We resolved that an Ogoni son should be given the opportunity for governorship of Rivers State on APC platform in 2019. Senator Magnus Abe, an Ogoni son, from Bera in Gokana Local Government, should present himself in this capacity.

    “APC leaders from Khana appreciated the fact that there are numerous Ogoni sons and daughters, who are eminently qualified, but the political investments of Senator Magnus Abe communicated a competitive edge that makes his marketability more appealing. The Khana meeting strongly urged the State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC to strive for independence, impartiality and inclusiveness, if the party must come out of the present low morale of members.”

    APC leaders Abe had the support and approval of the vast majority of the Khana people.

     

     

  • How APC can win 2019 elections – Amaechi

    How APC can win 2019 elections – Amaechi

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the 2019 general election, leaders and members of the party must go back to God in prayers and thanksgiving.

    He also urged members in his political circle to re-dedicate themselves and restore their commitment to God.

    Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State, stated these in Port Harcourt, while speaking of his miraculous inauguration as governor on October 26, 2007, after the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court that declared him the duly elected governor of the state.

    The special thanksgiving service was arranged to mark the 10th anniversary of the apex court’s judgement.

    He said: “The truth is that we believed God. Some who did not believe left us, just as they are leaving now. God told me that what he will do in Rivers State will tingle the ears, and I believed. We were so broke, we could not pay legal fees or children’s school fees.

    “My wife prayed everyday and night. I fasted and prayed for three months. I told God ‘I have a friend who has money, please make him remember me.’ I called my friend and he told me he has been looking for me. I told him I was in Ghana and he asked for my account. He sent me N200 million. This is just to tell you that I believed God and he answered me.”

    Amaechi wondered why many of his friends and political associates, whom he helped one way or another, decided to turn against him, noting that it was God’s way of creating a vacuum for the youths to take charge.

    He added: “We must all go back to God in faith and prayers. Those who want to leave can go. I have come to understand that God passes us through these challenges to prove himself. Now that they have left, for me, this is an opportunity for the youths. It is your turn. You must ensure that we get to power, for you to fill the vacuum left.

    “I have sometimes asked God, ‘why do you use me to bless people and after blessing them, they run away.’ Count how many people in Rivers State politics today that I did not help somehow. I do not want to take the glory away from God. So, for those who left, may God bless them.