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Tag: Amaechi

  • Group commends DSS, warns judges over Amaechi

    The Buhari South-East Youth Movement (BUSEYM) has commended the Depart-ment of State Services (DSS) on its recent raids on some allegedly corrupt judges, saying it is a step in the right direction while re-affirming the federal government’s stance that it is corruption that is under attack and not the Nigerian judiciary. The group also called on the DSS to extend its current initiatives to judges of state High Courts and magistrates.

    In a press release in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, jointly signed by its Director-General, Engr. Nwabueze Onwuneme and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Igwe Samuel Obinna, the group stated that it has become obvious that some unscrupulous judges have vowed to pervert and commercialise justice for the highest bidder as mostly seen but not limited to electoral and corruption matters most especially in south-eastern states.

    The group said the alleged involvement of the judges in corruption violates their Code of Conduct, stressing that no judge, irrespective of ranking, should be spared. The group chided the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and some persons who have come openly to condemn an act which the whole nation, most especially the masses, have applauded wondering why the unholy alliance and show of solidarity being showcased by the NBA? It asked why NBA has never come openly to advocate the release of petty thieves held without bail in various prisons all over the country .The group specifically wants Nigerians to know that without a credible, transparent and upright judiciary no government can fulfill its campaign promises and obligation to the citizenry stating that it is a globally known that judicial corruption is next to terrorism in ranking.

    The group also commended the Director-General of the DSS, Musa Daura, for the feat and assured him that majority of Nigerians are behind him and in full support of his and his organisation’s actions. It commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies on the recent release of 21 of the abducted Chibok girls and urged them to intensify efforts for the release of the remaining girls.

    In a related development, BUSEYM has condemned the attacks by some recently raided judges against the person of the Hon. Minister for Transport Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi, describing it as “diversionary and baseless.” It wondered why judges who have risen in status to the highest court of the land should indulge in such childish, myopic and un-intelligent mudslinging on a man who did not run any election. In a press release to journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital and signed by Onwuneme and Obinna, the group faulted the claim by the judges that Amaechi wanted them to influence the outcome of judgements in Ekiti, Rivers and Akwa-I bom wondering what was Amaechi’s interest in those matters. BUSEYM also demanded to know why the judges did not report the alleged meddlesomeness of Amaechi in the matters to the appropriate authorities but waited till the DSS busted them before reporting the matter, adding that the group is aware of “a well timed, heavily-funded plot to smear and undermine the person of Amaechi politically.”

  • It’s a plot to bring me down, says Amaechi

    It’s a plot to bring me down, says Amaechi

    Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi last night described the allegation by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta as a lie and part of a “heavily-funded plot” to bring him down.

    The minister, a former Rivers State governor, in a statement by his media office, said: “Justice Ngwuta’s allegation as it concerns Amaechi is nothing but pure fiction, a dubious diversionary tale concocted to muddle the very serious issues of his arrest and investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    “For emphasis, we want to state categorically that Amaechi did not and has never tried to lobby, induce or make the Justice Ngwuta to influence the outcome of any matter before the Supreme Court or any other court.

    “The Hon. Justice Ngwuta’s narrative as it concerns Amaechi is simply not true, an unadulterated fallacy design to deceive and distract from the real issues of DSS investigation of acts of corruption against him.

    “It’s indeed very sad and most unfortunate that the Hon. Justice Ngwuta had decided to drag the name of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), into his fabricated allegations.

    “Again, we make bold to state that Amaechi did not and has never lobbied, approached or attempted to make the CJN or any other Justice of the apex court to influence the Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers State and Ekiti State governorship elections petition appeals or any other matter before the apex court or any other court.

    “ Within a space of 48 hours, we have observed a carefully planned and coordinated political attempt to drag Amaechi into the DSS arrest and investigation of judges in Nigeria.

    “The aim of the plot is two-fold: to smear and politically destroy the image and reputation of Amaechi, and deceitfully portray him as the person behind the arrest of judges. This is indeed most ridiculous and callous.

    ““We are aware of a well-timed, heavily-funded plot to “take out” Amaechi politically, and it appears that Justice Ngwuta and Justice Inyang Okoro (of the Supreme Court, who had also made similar made-up allegations against Amaechi), have wittingly or unwittingly been conscripted into this devious politics of “destroy Amaechi by all means.”

  • Amaechi, Umana: we never met Justice Okoro

    Amaechi, Umana: we never met Justice Okoro

    Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said he never discussed any election petitions dispute with Supreme Court Justice Inyang Okoro in his house or anywhere else.

    He also said it was demeaning and childish of a Justice of the Supreme Court to imply that the Department of State Services (DSS) would arrest a judge on the instructions of a minister.

    Also yesterday, a former governorship candidate in Akwa ibom State, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, described the allegation that he contacted the Supreme Court Justice to sway the Akwa Ibom governorship election petition judgment in his favour as “baseless”

    Amaechi and Umana made the clarifications yesterday in separate statements.

    Justice Okoro, one of the judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegation of corruption, in a letter to the Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed, accused Amaechi and Umana of visiting him at home, seeking to influence the outcome of the election cases in Akwa Ibom, Abia and Rivers states.

    In his personally signed statement, Amaechi asked Justice Okoro to stop whipping up unnecessary sentiments against innocent public officers.

    The statement said:  “My attention has been drawn to a letter purportedly written by Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, one of the Learned Justices recently arrested by the Department of State Services as part of its investigation into the allegations of massive corruption involving some officers of the Nigerian Judiciary.

    “Given the level of mischief in the social media, I would ordinarily have ignored the letter because the allegations contained in the said letter are wild, baseless and unrelated to the issues in contention between the Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court and the Department of State Services, to that extent I had grave reservation if this letter could have emanated from His Lordship.

     ”However, for the avoidance of doubt, let me say clearly that I have never discussed any matter pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria with my Lord, Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro JSC, in his house or anywhere else, Period.

    “I make bold to also state that the first and only time I have ever spoken with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON was at the Commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway Project on the 26th of July 2016 at Idu in Abuja.

     ”The letter by Honourable Justice Okoro is a poor attempt to politicise what is clearly a serious national tragedy and shame. I believe that the issues of corruption at the highest levels of our judiciary should be addressed objectively.

    “It is to say the least demeaning and childish of a Justice of the Supreme Court to imply that the security operatives of our nation will arrest a Justice of our Supreme Court for no reason other than the instructions of a Minister.

    “Those faced with serious allegations should treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves and stop trying to court public sympathy and trivialize what is clearly a national tragedy.

     ”I have directed my lawyers to contact my Lord Justice Okoro and take whatever legal steps as may be necessary to clear my name of this baseless allegation.

     Umana said: “The meeting Justice Okoro is reporting is a fiction. No such meeting to discuss how to bribe judges took place between him, Mr Umana Okon Umana and Dr (Pastor) Ebebe Ukpong as alleged.

     ”If we assume, without conceding, that such a meeting took place, for a man of Justice Okoro’s standing and knowledge of the law, he ought to have known the legal implications of such a visit, and should have reported it to the appropriate authorities immediately.

    “He did not do that, but he is only reacting after the authorities had established a case against him.

     ”Justice Okoro’s claim in his purported letter is therefore not only false, it is diversionary and an afterthought.

     ”Justice Okoro should address himself to the facts of the case, which is between him and the State, and leave Umana out of it.

     ”Contrary to Justice Okoro’s claim, Umana had no appeal before the Supreme Court arising from any court judgment on the 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.

    “Umana won at the Court of Appeal and therefore was not and couldn’t have been an appellant at the Supreme Court. Umana had won both at the tribunal and at the Court of Appeal. He was therefore confident of victory at the Supreme Court because of the concurrent judgments of the lower courts.

    “It will be recalled that after the Supreme Court judgment, which ignored the concurrent judgments of both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, and also totally disregarded the reports of the international observers, including those of the United States Government and the European Union which stated that the elections in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states were marred by widespread violence and irregularities, Umana had issued a statement expressing disappointment at the verdict and said he had moved on and left everything in the hands of God. Umana should therefore be left alone.”

     

  • Amaechi asked me to fix Akwa Ibom, says Justice Okoro

    Amaechi asked me to fix Akwa Ibom, says Justice Okoro

    •Minister: it’s a lie
    •Umana denies claim

    One of the two Justices of the Supreme Court arrested last week by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives yesterday denied any wrongdoing and linked his travails to his refusal to assist the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the post-2015 governorship election dispute in Akwa Ibom State.

    Justice Okoro alleged that Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi and the APC candidate in the election, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, came to him separately, begging for his support in winning the case at the Supreme Court.

    Amaechi’s Media Office last night said: “This accusation from Justice Okoro against Amaechi is a figment of his imagination, concocted to obfuscate and politicize the real issues for his arrest and DSS investigation of allegations of corruption against him.

    “The claims by Justice Okoro against Amaechi are blatant lies, bereft of any iota of truth or even logic. Amaechi did not, and has never approached Justice Okoro in respect of the cases Okoro mentioned or any other case. This is a cheap attempt, albeit,  political move to drag the name of Amaechi into something he knows nothing about. Justice Okoro should face his issues and leave Amaechi out of it.  He will be hearing from our lawyers.”

    Umana also denied ever visiting the Judge. In a statement last night from his office, Umana said:

    “Justice Okoro’s claim is an afterthought and diversionary. For a man of his standing and knowledge of the law, he should have known the legal implications of such a visit if it took place at all.

    “He should have reported to the appropriate authorities immediately. This he didn’t do.

    “I did not visit the Judge. His story is a fiction. He should address himself to the facts of the case which is between him and the state and leave Umana out of it.”

    Justice Okoro alleged that Amaechi claimed that he was working on President Muhammadu Buhari’s instruction.

    The Judge said he reported the matter to the CJN on February 1, 2016. The Rivers’ case was decided on January 27, 2016. The Akwa Ibom case was decided on February 3, 2016. APC was not part of the Abia State case.

    Justice Okoro, in his October 17 letter, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, a copy of which The Nation sighted yesterday, gave details of his experience in the hands of the security personnel and what they took away from his residence.

    Part of the letter reads:

    “On Friday, the 7th day of October, 2016, at about 9.00 pm, I received a phone call from an unfamiliar caller. He introduced himself as an official from the Presidency. He told me he had a letter for me from Mr. President.

    “I immediately left my study room and went to open the door. Upon the door being opened, l saw so many heavily armed men with an inscription ‘DSS’ on their uniform.

    “One of them, who was in mufti, told me they were to search my house. I requested that I be allowed to inform the Chief Justice of Nigeria, but they rebuffed, rather they seized my phone from me.

    “My Lord, the operatives of the Department of State Security searched all the rooms in the house meticulously. They also searched the boy’s quarters and my official vehicles parked outside.

    “At the end of the search, which lasted till about 1.30am of 8th October, 2016, they took away the following items:

    1. One (1) iPad
    2. Three phones (only one active)
    3. USD 38,800 (Thirty eight thousand, eight hundred dollars)
    4. N3.5m (three million, five hundred thousand naira) only
    5. Cheque books (Four in number)

    “The above items were documented on the back page of the search warrant they produced and we signed. Also, the DSS operatives informed me that their Director-General wanted to see me that night.

    “I requested to visit their office upon the break of the day, but they refused. In view of the presence of the heavily armed men, who accompanied them and who were pointing their gun at me from all angles, I had no choice than to follow them to their office that night.

    “I was detained by them in their office till Sunday, 9th October, 2016 and upon your Lordship’s intervention that Sunday, they released me in the evening of that Sunday.

    “My Lord, I noticed that they also brought other judicial officers serving and retired to their office. So, before releasing us, they asked me to make a statement concerning the money found in my house.

    “I told them that having received the sum of USD24,000.00 (Twenty four thousand dollars) and £10,000 (Ten thousand pounds) a year for the past three years of my sojourn in this court as annual medical/vacation allowances, and having not spent more than £5,000 (Five thousand pounds) on each of three trips I have so far made abroad, I was entitled to have more than the amount recovered from me.

    “Put differently, My Lord, the money was the balance of my estacode received from this court for the past three years. This is quite outside the estacodes I have received for the International Conferences I have so far attended since joining the bench of this court.

    “My Lord, as at the time of writing this report, the DSS has not confronted me with any petition or complaint from any quarters whatsoever. Rather, they have grilled me, asking questions on some none existing properties around the country.

    “They have also doubted the age of my children, alleging that they are toddlers. This is sad and unbelievable.

    ”My Lord, I strongly believe that this my travail is not unconnected with the verbal report I made to you on 1st February, 2016 about the visit to my official residence by HE, Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and now Minister of Transportation.

    “In that report, I told you My Lord, that Mr. Amaechi said that the President of Nigeria and the All Progressives Congress mandated him to inform me that they must win their election appeals in respect of Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State and Abia State at all costs.

    “For Akwa Ibom State, he alleged that he sponsored Mr. Umana Umana, candidate of All Progressives Congress for that election and that if he lost Akwa Ibom appeal, he would have lost a fortune.

    “Mr. Amaechi also said that he had already visited you and that you had agreed to make me a member of the panel that would hear the appeals.

    “He further told me that Mr. Umana would be paying me millions of naira monthly if I co-operated with them. My response, as I told you on that date was that it does not lie within my power to grant his request and that I would do all within my power not to be in the panel for Akwa Ibom State. My Lord graciously left me out of the panel for Akwa Ibom State.

    “That notwithstanding, the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, which lost the appeal at the Supreme Court, believe that my presence in the Supreme Court made them to lose the appeal.

    “Could I have resigned from the Supreme Court simply because people of Akwa Ibom State had a matter before it?

    ”My Lord will recall that I also reported that Mr. Umana Umana visited my residence before Amaechi’s visit.

    “He also made the same request of assistance to win his appeal at the Supreme Court. Mr. Umana talked about ‘seeing’ the Justices who would hear the appeal.

    “Pastor (Dr) Ebebe Ukpong, who led Mr. Umana Umana to my house, intercepted and said that the issue of ‘seeing’ the justices was not part of their visit and that as a Pastor, he would not be part of such a discussion.

    “Mr. Umana apologised. I advised them to go and pray about the matter and get a good lawyer. That was how they left my house.

    ”My Lord, up till now, I do not know what I have done. Over the years, from the Magistracy till date, I have done my best to eschew all forms of corrupt practices.

    “I have not received any bribe from anybody. My Lord is quite aware of my position as regards those who take bribe in the judiciary. I detest it and have no room for any adjustment. That is the truth.

    I urge my Lord and the National Judicial Council to disregard all the lies and media campaign orchestrated by those who felt I purposely refused to help them win their election appeals in the Supreme Court.

    “I am confident that God will vindicate me at the end of this ordeal. I take it as a temporary setback. I remain loyal to my oath of office and the need to be just and fair in handling matters before me,” Justice Okoro said.

     

  • Amaechi’s silenced critics

    Amaechi’s silenced critics

    A very good leader who wants to maintain a clean slate in governance would forbid corruption and crime.

    National developments can only be achieved only when leaders put hands on deck to fight crime and corruption to the later.

    When crime and corruption is rid off in a society righteousness will abound, peace and development will prevail.

    In Nigeria, the fight against corruption and crime by the Muhammadu Buhari government is yielding positive results.

    When President Muhammadu Buhari took over government May last year, it took him six months to announce his cabinet. Many Nigerians criticized him for the delay but the President had to take his time to shop for incorruptible and credible persons. One of such discoveries is Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi whom the President eventually appointed Transportation Minister.

    Although, Amaechi’s critics will stop at nothing to labeling him “corrupt”, Amaechi had on several occasions challenged them to show proof that he is corrupt but they have since that public challenge remained dumb since they have no fact to justify their frivolous claims. They have remained tranquil and have hidden their heads in shame.

    After making several unsuccessful attempt to crucify Amaechi for supporting Buhari at the last presidential election some under the aegies of Niger Delta Leaders now hover around the Villa looking for where to perch in other to fan ember of discord between President Buhari and his staunch man Rotimi Amaechi.

    They fed fat from ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, they denied him.Now they are tactically exploring means of gaining attention from the presidency for their selfish agradizement.

    For some, even when the opportunity to rule is right before them they could not proffer concrete solutions to the problems bedeviling their states as the rate of crime and criminality has adversely affected development in the areas.

    In a way to exonerate themselves from their abysmal performance they now use “recession” as a form of excuse to cajole the people and to gain public sympathy.

    At their comfort they propose heavy taxes and send to their Rubber-stamp lawmakers to give speedy approval and make it a state law thereby inflicting hardship on the people.

    Some of them who have discovered that governance is not as easy as they thought when Amaechi held sway as the state governor now run to one highly placed pastor to the other begging them to appeal to Amaechi for forgiveness on their behalf.

    Some who were entrusted to organize free and fair elections who by their positions were expected to play neutral but aided the PDP to victory having understood the seriousness attached on the fight against corruption by the present administration now sneak to high places at night possibly to beg for mercy.

    They have suddenly realized that the hand of God is upon Amaechi, they have suddenly also realized that Amaechi is destined for greatness and that who God has blessed no man can course.

    Since then, Amaechi too, had in humility walked with his shoulders high having silenced his enemies forever and in shame. Ameachi has since then consistently and courageously too, appearing in public places and functions receiving accolades and salutations for superintending over Rivers State for eight years with purity.

    For all I know and for those who care to know, Amaechi is incorruptible and would stop at nothing to maintain the confidence reposed on him by the President and his supporters.

    Amaechi is the face of the present change regime in the Niger Delta and South South in general. In some quarters Amaechi is known as the Commander of the change revolution in Nigeria.

    That is why even in far away England, Amaechi could boldly speak about corruption and crime and the way the present administration is tackling corruption and corrupt leaders.

    In a keynote address he delivered at the opening of the 34th Cambridge University Prestigious International Symposium on Economic Crime at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, Amaechi noted that economic crime can be better tackled if countries unite and share strategic information to stop the network of those who commit such crime.

    Amaechi spoke in an address he titled “Beyond Blame Game; The imperative of tackling Economic Crime Together”.

    Amaechi said economic crime is often committed in an organized manner involving several people, sometimes across borders through multiple jurisdictions.

    Although such crimes may originate from one country it often involves the participation of clandestine, criminal networks operating in different countries playing one role or the other and benefitting from such illicit proceeds.

    Amaechi said economic crime is a global virus and should be tackled through global collaboration  “For this to happen, the public and private sectors especially the banks must come into collaboration beyond high sounding rhetoric and public relations. Institutions from both developed and developing countries must learn to share information and act swiftly to erode the efficacy of these networks to successfully use any jurisdiction either as transit routes or safe havens for proceeds of economic crime. Strong, effective, regulatory and enforcement capabilities must be encouraged both domestically and internationally through technical cooperation. Partnerships must be encouraged to provide platforms to share best practices and intelligence and strengthen legislations between jurisdictions”.

    “As someone who has been in active politics for more than thirty years I have learnt that many well intended reforms are possible only if the leader can offer the requisite leadership and muster the right political will. In my country, since our President, Muhammadu Buhari was elected, he did not leave anyone in doubt that the fight against corruption will not only be taken seriously but will form a cardinal plank of his policy direction.”

    “ So far, he has made several pronouncements that set the tone of his commitment to strengthen anti-corruption agencies to go after anyone who has questions to answer. The President resolve was enough signal all of us, members of his cabinet and the citizenry that an end has come for the old ways of doing things. Currently, many people who have been indicted in one form of corrupt practice or another are being prosecuted in our courts. That, I believe is the way to show leadership and take responsibility”, he said.

    In conclusion, Amaechi said “As an interconnected and rapidly globalizing world, it’s vital we work together, in partnership, to collectively fight economic crime. This is a common enemy and a very smart one for that matter. It seeks to beat every barrier that we mount against it. It is my humble submission that we must hold hands together as never before to confront the spread of economic crimes squarely and successfully”, he said.

  • Amaechi urges ratification of maritime trade rules

    Amaechi urges ratification of maritime trade rules

    Nigeria and other countries in the Central and West Africa sub-region have been urged to ratify and domesticate the Rotterdam Rules to resolve the imbalance in international maritime trade.

    The Rules, adopted at the 2009 Convention,  in Rotterdam, The Netherlands are the latest of all international convention on carriage of goods by sea.

    Speaking yesterday at the Validation Colloquium organised by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with Union of African Shippers’ Council (UASC) and United Nations Commission on International Trade Law                                 ( UNCITRAL)  in Abuja,  Amaechi, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Alhaji  Sabiu Zakari, said the Rotterdam Rules addressed the imbalance between the Hague-Visby Rules of 1924 and the Hamburg Rules of 1972, and urged Nigeria and other countries in Central and the West Africa sub-region to domesticate the law.

    He said there was need for  the Federal Government and the National Assembly to ratify and domesticate the Rules because of the immense benefits to the economy, including provision of higher level of compensation to cargo owners in case of loss or damage to cargo, a well as speedy evacuation of cargo from the sea ports.

  • Amaechi inaugurates NIMASA board

    Amaechi inaugurates NIMASA board

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has charged members of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to enthrone accountability and formulate broad policies aimed at achieving the set objectives of the agency.

    The minister said this while inaugurating the 11-member board at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Transportation in Abuja.

    He said: “Your responsibilities as board members include setting operational, administrative policies in accordance with government policies and directives aimed at assisting the agency achieve its mandate”.

    While congratulating the members of the board on their appointment, the minister tasked them on the need to engender a harmonious working relationship with the management of the agency emphasising that their membership of the board is strictly on a part-time basis.

    Responding on behalf of the members, the Chairman of the board of NIMASA, Major Gen. Jonathan India Garba, thanked the President for finding them worthy of this appointment and assured the minister that members will work conscientiously towards actualising the mandate of the agency.

    Board members inaugurated by the minister include General Jonathan India Garba as Chairman, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Mr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, Engr. Joseph Oluwarotimi Fashakin, Mr. Ahmed Gambo and Mr. S.U. Galadanchi.

    Others are Ms. Enebeti Dike, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, Mohammed Mua’zu, Asekhome Otakia Kenneth and Barrister Ebele Obi.

  • Amaechi’s unquenchable thirst for better transportation delivery

    For leaders like Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s transportation minister, nothing interests them like rendering service to mankind.

    Ever since Mr. Amaechi ascended his present political status, he has always been on his toes to deliver on his mandate in the nation’s transportation sector.

    One thing that distinguishes Amaechi  is the fact that Amaechi has an unquenchable thirst to service delivery. His urge to reposition the nation’s devastated transportation sector has no limitation.

    For real, those who work or have worked with the former Rivers State governor can attest to his style. His pro- activeness and commitment to tackling daunting challenging issues that will trigger development to all cannot be overemphasized.

    Back then in Port Harcourt, Amaechi would commit time at night inspecting projects with ‘torch light’, that is how restless he is in committing to service delivery. For him, the job must be done before he takes his cool.

    Anyhow, one would have taught that after serving Rivers State in his forties jumping from one project site to the other , Amaechi would act the typical ‘big man’ Nigerian minister or any other political appointee by attending to official duties at will been the overall boss in the transportation ministry, but, that is not the case. Amaechi would dash to the office at 8.am attending to official matters until late night. For Amaechi, there is no dull moment.

    Working with a pragmatic, selfless and service itching boss like Amaechi requires a qualification of self determination and commitment, you must be ready to kill sleep, you must be on your marks and you must be at his beck and call because for him service delivery cannot be compromised, nothing can deter him to forge ahead except for the fact that death is no respecter of mankind.

    Recently however, series of developmental efforts had been vigorously pursued by the Buhari’s “strong man” to better the transportation sector.

    Precisely on the 1st day of July, 2016 Amaechi had signed a contractual agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) on the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal railway project.

    Amaechi signed the agreement on behalf of the federal government. At the brief event which took place at the ministry’s conference room, Amaechi said the contract was an addendum to the Lagos-Calabar coastal railway project which was initially awarded by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to the Chinese company at a contract cost of $11.917 billion.

    Amaechi also disclosed that at the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari government, the federal government negotiated the contract with the China firm and agreed at a contract cost of $11.117 billion thereby saving a whopping sum of $800m.

    Amaechi reiterated that the Buhari led government has completed the signing of the same contract with a different contract sum in order to legalise the new deal.

    “What we have done today is signing of the same contract but different contract sum to make it legal.President Muhammadu Buhari has assured me that he is committed to the development of the rail sector in Nigeria and would not leave any ‘stone unturned’ to achieving that dream”,he said.

    Amaechi also noted that the first and second segments of the projects run through Calabar-Uyo-Aba-Port Harcourt-Yenagoa-Otuoke-Ughelli-Warri-Sapelle-Benin-Ore-Ijebu-Ode-Lagos with a target of covering all the seaports along those routes in good time.

    Similarly, on the 31st day of August, 2016,  Amaechi took further step in signing two commercial contract agreements with the same Chinese firm on the Kano-Kaduna segment of three of the Lagos-Kano rail modernisation project with a contract sum of $1.685 billion and the Calabar- Port Harcourt segment 1 extending to the Onne Deep Sea Port of the coastal rail project at the cost of $3.4 billion with the Chinese engineering firm.

    Amaechi who spoke briefly at the event described it as symbolic. “In the sense that what we are doing is the segmentation of that same contract in line with the agreement with the China-Exim Bank”.

    Amaechi said the federal government would release its counterpart funds soonest assuring that with the cooperation of the China-Exim Bank, the projects would be completed in November, 2018. “I assured Mr. President that we need to complete these projects in two years time,” he said.

  • Amaechi: Political maverick or prophet?

    Amaechi: Political maverick or prophet?

    THE 2015 Presidential Election marked Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as one politician to watch. Against conventional wisdom, against widespread ethnocentric sentiments from some of his South-South people, he led what could be described as a ‘democratic coup d’etat’ against the then sitting President Goodluck Jonathan and truncated his second term ambition via the ballot box, saving the nation an impending disaster as been today by the revelation of massive corruption perpetuated by some members of the government and the current economic challenges it brought to the people.

    In his political career, one question begs for answer: Does the Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Amaechi court controversy or vice-versa? His many political battles had been steeped controversy.

    Sometimes, such controversy swallows the reason for the fight. One such case is his battle with the then President Jonathan and his over bearing wife, Patience. Not many still recall what actually sparked off the quarrel. But let us not forget that in the 2011 Presidential Election, Rivers State, with Amaechi then as governor and the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state delivered a little over 2.1 million votes to help former President Goodluck Jonathan clinch the presidency. What was the magic for the result? It was the debate in all media platforms?

    Ironically after making sure his brother and kinsman returned back to Aso Rock, Amaechi overnight turned to a prey that must be devoured by all means as seen in a series of attacks and intending humiliations meted out on him by the powers that be. Then as seen in some incidents, starting but not limited to the Okrika incident where a microphone was forcefully snatched away from him by the then First Lady while he was trying to explain his plans for a school in her community or was it the uproar and insults hauled on him when he, after seeing the series of loss of lives caused  by the deplorable state of the East-West road, the only road traversing the Niger-Delta region, appealed for a joint collaboration by South-South governors to fix the road. The then Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Elder Godswill Orubebe had accused him of insulting the then President but ironically today Orubebe is being accused of diverting monies meant for compensation of land owners whom the road cut into their lands. We will not also forget in a hurry how mathematical equation was altered all in a bid to make sure Amaechi does not emerge Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum by a calculation which made 16 to be greater than 19.

    However, the mother of all controversies surfaced about two years later. Specifically in November 2013 after the removal of the Rivers PDP State Party Executive Council by fiat. Amaechi had to battle for his survival. This he did with the exit of five governors to the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC) thereby pulling the carpet off the feet of the PDP and seriously putting in jeopardy Jonathan’s re-election bid. The PDP and the powers that be then would not go down without a fight. This they did with so much impunity as they threw caution to the wind in their bid to make sure Amaechi was not just silenced but out rightly humiliated. For example, they grounded the state’s aircraft and constantly blocked his convoy. There were also the ugly face-off with him by the duo of the then Minister of State for Education and current Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and Police Commissioner, Mathew Mbu, both of who made sure Amaechi never knew peace to the extent that Wike openly boasted of how all airports, seaports and land borders will all be closed immediately Jonathan won the election so that Amaechi will be hounded and probably sent to the gallows. But Amaechi remained resolute and strong, championing the then campaign of change to a nation tired of 16 years of PDP misrule.

    After a keenly contested election, Muhammadu Buhari emerged victorious with 15.4 million votes to Jonathan’s 12.8 million. Compare that with Jonathans 22.4m votes in 2011 to Buhari’s 12.2m votes.

    Now, the question one cannot fail to ask is why Amaechi turned against his fellow kinsmen in a country where ethno-centric politics is deeply entrenched?  The issues, it seems, have something to do with the management of the treasury as he revealed in an interview. He had proffered that he queried spendings on subsidy under Jonathan. That could have been the major reason he was singled out for persecution.

    The former two-term governor of Rivers State explained that the Federal Government was spending N300 billion annually on subsidies under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s eight years tenure and the short-lived tenure of former President Musa Yar’Adua. He said however that within six months of Jonathan’s presidency, it shot up to N1.9 trillion.

    “Did Nigeria’s population double in such a short time? Has the country increased its manufacturing capacity?” It has been argued that it was when he could not get satisfactory answers from the powers that be, that he parted ways with Jonathan.

    With the abolition of the subsidy scheme in January 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari, it seems Amaechi has been vindicated. Nonetheless, it seems not many still remembered his role in the matter.

    In political jargon, the Minister of Transport, Amaechi, is a fighter who takes no prisoners. He would go for a technical knockout (TKO) rather than emerge a disputed winner. As governor of Rivers State and Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), he fought for two years to finally claim his mandate as winner of the Forum’s chairmanship election. Despite winning the election by 19 votes to 17, the powers that be rejected his victory. For two years, a ding-dong battle ensued. Nonetheless, in May 2015, his hitherto ‘factionalised’ colleagues united and unanimously declared him winner.

    By this time, he was a few days to the end of his tenure as governor. Though chairmanship of the NGF is ceremonial, Amaechi stuck out till the end.

    This incident reveals so much about the man his admirers call the ‘Lion of the Niger-Delta’. They rate him as one of the most popular politicians in the country.

    • Onwuneme, who wrote in from Umuahia, Abia State

  • Amaechi as giant transporter

    Transportation has always involved the movement of people, goods and services from one part of the country to the other. The need for transportation to human existence is inevitable and unavoidable, because, it is the wheel of progress from which all other sectors of the economy revolve.

    The transportation sector in every society plays a crucial role for the rapid development of such society such that man in his scale of life preference identifies transport as key.

    For leaders of nations, to think development in their countries is to first and foremost think of an effective transportation system for her citizenry.

    Again, for the success story of any nation transportation system to be told the technical knowhow/manpower is key. The personnel who manages and oversees the day to day running of the business must be knowledgeable and have the requisite experience to deliver.

    To this end therefore, one must as a matter of fact salute the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu  Buhari (GCFR) for appointing His Excellency Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Honorable Minister of Transportation .

    Amaechi’s appointment to head the ministry is borne out of credibility and experience to confront challenges that will trigger solutions capable of improving the lots of Nigerian masses. As the former governor of Rivers State for eight years and former Speaker of the same State House of Assembly for eight years it was clearly obvious that Amaechi will drive the needed change that is expected in the transportation ministry.

    Having realised the enormity of his task after been sworn-in by the President, Amaechi swung into action .Among some of the moves taken were the preliminary inspection of the Abuja/Kaduna rail project, inspection of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Partnering with local and international bodies for the development of the ministry among others.

    These lofty dreams and aspirations of Amaechi will no doubt key into the change mantra of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari at the centre.

    Today, eight months down the lane, these lofty dreams and aspiration of Amaechi have not only brought hope to the common Nigerian people it has also produced result oriented projects like the Abuja/Kaduna rail project ,the ongoing reconstruction work at the Port Harcourt and Abuja international Airports will soon, also be commissioned for smooth operations etc.

    The former Flagg-Off of the Abuja/Kaduna rail project that was done on Tuesday 26th July, 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari is an eloquent testimony that Amaechi and his team are on the right path not only to bring about a monumental change but also to fulfill those promises made by his party, The All Progressives Congress (APC) to Nigerians.

    Although, the rail project was not started by the Buhari administration it would be important to consider that he who finishes the race needs to be crowned the champion.

    The Abuja/Kaduna rail that has been Flagged- Off for use will among other things create employment for job seekers, improve effective transportation system .When this and other rail projects are completed and put to use  it will bring back the dead hope of rail system in the land.

    At the flag-off of the rail project, Amaechi acknowledged the privileged giving him to serve .Amaechi said,  “Your Excellency, let me not take for granted the privilege afforded me by you (President Buhari) and the position that I occupy and fail to welcome you and this distinguished audience of Nigerians and envoys of other countries to celebrate the inauguration of the first and historic standard gauge railway in west Africa”.

    “Today, as we gather here we recall that the contract for Lagos to Kano railways was awarded by President Olusegun Obasanjo, partially executed by President Goodluck Jonathan and completed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The tracks were commissioned by President Jonathan”.

    “Under the directives of President Buhari, the stations, the signaling, the communications and part of the tracks were completed by his administration. The locomotive and coaches arrived in May, and between June and July, we had commenced trial runs. We conveyed over 500 passengers per trip twice per day for a month and two weeks, free of charge”.

    Expectedly, the minister’s vision will not only encourage private sector participation it would among other things  bring about the desired turn around in the development of seaports coastal states with the capacity to handle modern shipping, usher in effective upgrade of the rail system with a view to restoring its lost relevance . The minister is the hope of building a new, reformed and economically driven transportation system in Nigeria.

    Projects like the rail system and many others will in no distance time be delivered by Amaechi in the nearest future considering his zeal to perform.  When this is done Nigerians and the International community would benefit from the gesture as it would ease locomotion of people from one place to the other including goods and services to other parts of the country.Commodities will become cheaper and affordable to the ordinary Nigerians and life will become worthwhile for all mankind.

    However, despite the on-going development in the transportation sector, the Federal Government should as a matter of necessity have the political will to forge ahead which will eventually propel development strategy to better the lots of Nigerians.

    The government should also consider creating a prominent role for Nigerian sea ports within the ECOWAS community, encourage private sector participation, and promote the enabling legal framework for private sector participation in several projects including air, road and port.

    Meanwhile, if the commitment shown by Amaechi and his team is replicated by all the ministers in their various ministries, life will become good for all and sundry and government itself will be happy that her people are happy.