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Tag: Amaechi

  • China’s $1.5b loan for Lagos-Ibadan rail ready – Amaechi

    China’s $1.5b loan for Lagos-Ibadan rail ready – Amaechi

    The Federal Government yesterday said it had secured $1.5 billion from the China Exim Bank to begin work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line project.

    Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi said this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Land Transport, chaired by Gbenga Ashafa, to give a status report of the 2016 budget and also present the 2017 budget.

    Amaechi said the foundation of the Lagos-Ibadan Segment Two of the Lagos- Kano rail project would be laid before March 31.

    He said the target of the Federal Government is to begin work from Apapa sea port to Ogun and then to Ibadan.

    Amaechi said: “In the first quarter of 2017, the foundation of the Lagos-Ibadan Segment Two of the Lagos- Kano rail project will be laid.

    “The implication here is that we will start the Lagos-Ibadan rail line before March 31.

    “Our target is to begin from Apapa sea port down to Ogun and then to Ibadan.

    “The counterpart fund is ready but don’t forget that we are borrowing from China. The China Exim Bank is processing it.

    “Our 15 per cent is ready. The bank has released $1.5 billion.

    “It is also envisaged that Segment Three of the Lagos –Kano rail project, which is Kano-Kaduna stretch, as well as the first phase of the coastal railway line (Lagos-Calabar) beginning from Calabar to Port Harcourt with extension to Onne Deep sea port will begin after the conclusion of the negotiation of a financing loan agreement.”

    He called on the National Assembly to approve the government’s plan to borrow $30 billion.

    The minister said the money to finance some of the rail projects are contained in the $30 billion loan request the government is seeking the National Assembly’s approval for.

    According to him, Nigeria cannot sign any loan agreement with China on rail projects without the approval of the National Assembly.

    Amaechi said all rail projectsnot completed in last year’s budget have been included in the 2017 budget.

    “All these ongoing rail projects not completed last year have been reintroduced into the 2017 budget.

    “The ministry is in the process of procuring additional locomotives and coaches to meet the rising demand of passenger traffic of the Abuja (Idu)-Kaduna (Rigasa) rail line,” he added.

    Ashafa said the committee would work with the minister to consolidate on the achievements and performances recorded last year.

  • Jonathan, Wike stopped Rivers from taking possesion of surveillance helicopters – Amaechi

    Jonathan, Wike stopped Rivers from taking possesion of surveillance helicopters – Amaechi

    Former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Nyesom Wike for the inability of the state to take possession of the two helicopters, which were seized by the Nigeria Customs Service and handed over to the Nigeria Air Force last week.

    Amaechi, who is now the minister of transportation, who was said to have initiated the importation of the helicopters while serving as the governor of the oil-rich state.

    Wike agreed in an interview published on ThewsGuru.com on Saturday that the two helicopters were brought into the country by Amaechi with Rivers State money.

    He added that “outrageous import duties was imposed on the two helicopters delayed their clearance” by the state government.

    But Amaechi said in a statement in Abuja on Sunday that the state government under his leadership decided to import the armoured helicopters to fight criminals who he said were masquerading as militants, kidnappers and all other elements while he held sway as the governor of Rivers State.

    He said he had no choice than to purchase the two helicopters for the use of the state in fighting crime.

    The statement read, “With a strong political will to tackle these menace and make the State a safe place, Amaechi initiated a lot of measures to deal with the menace.

    “Purchasing these helicopters was one of the measures the Amaechi administration took to curb the clandestine and criminal activities in the state.

    “And the decision to go for these helicopters was based on the advice and recommendation of security experts and specialists that were working closely with our Nigerian security agents to rid the state of these criminals- kidnappers, pipeline vandals, vicious political cultists etc.

    “Sequel to the recommendation of security experts, the Rivers State Government bought the two Bell 412 security surveillance helicopters during the administration of Amaechi, in collaboration with the federal government through the office of the National Security Adviser.”

    It said the Federal Government then was very impressed with his administration’s security plan to curb criminality in the State and supported the plan all the way.

    The statement added, “To show their support, the Federal government through the office of the NSA contributed $15m, about half of the total sum, towards the purchase of the helicopters. Also, the then former President Goodluck Jonathan administration granted waivers to the Rivers State government to purchase and import the helicopters.”

    According to the statement, trouble started when his government was ready to get the two helicopters to the country from the United States of America.

    It said, “However, trouble started many months later when the helicopters became ready for the Rivers State Government to take possession of them and use to fight crime and the criminals in the land and creeks of the State.

    “The President Goodluck Jonathan administration frustrated and rebuffed all attempts by Amaechi and the Rivers State government to take possession of the helicopters.

    “Note that the said helicopters were partly funded by the Federal Government and that would be operated and managed by federal security agencies in collaboration with the Rivers State government.

    “This strange twist was most baffling to the Rivers State government. Many would recall that, Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State at different times cried out, spoke loudly about the refusal of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to allow the Rivers State government takes possession of the security surveillance helicopters.

    “It was about security, the safety of lives and properties, but the Jonathan administration refused and bluntly blocked the Rivers State government from taking possession of the helicopters.

    “The same helicopters the Federal Government had months back, partly funded and had granted approvals and waivers for the purchase and importation into the country.”

  • Buhari working hard to fix Nigeria’s economic crisis – Amaechi

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, says President Muhammadu Buhari is eager to reflate the economy and deliver to the people the gains of his administration.

    Amaechi stated this in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry, Mrs Yetunde Sonaike, on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that one of the core mandates of the present administration was to fulfil the needs and aspirations of Nigerians, adding that government would ensure it achieve its promises.

    The minister said the ministry was able to complete the Abuja–Kaduna Railway modernisation project and provided safety measures at the nation’s airports through rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure within the airports.

    He said that there were also ongoing rehabilitation of infrastructure at the seaports and the railway as well as instilling financial discipline in the ministry and its agencies among others.

    Amaechi said the focus of the government was the rehabilitation of the old railway lines of Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri and also ensuring that the construction works on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Rail line was completed within the specified time.

    According to him, the government is determined to ensure that works on Lagos-Kano Rail line commence in earnest to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers unhindered.

    “The construction work on the Lagos-Ibadan segment of the Coastal Rail line will commence in January 2017, ’’ Amaechi said.

    On the issue of the National Fleet for the maritime sector, the minister said that government had gone far in getting interested investors to come in.

    He said that the government was mindful of the provision of the law which stipulates 60 per cent for local investors and 40 per cent for foreign investors.

  • Peterside celebrates Abe’s victory, says Rivers S/East regained their voice

    Peterside celebrates Abe’s victory, says Rivers S/East regained their voice

    All Progressive Congress, APC governorship candidate in 2015, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has congratulated Senator Magnus Abe for his victory at the just concluded Rerun elections.

    He described the victory as Plesant and reassuring despite all odds erected by PDP against the expression of the will of the people of Rivers South East .

    Dr Peterside said with this victory and those of other APC candidates Rivers people have an opportunity of rebuilding new structures of integration with the centre and development based on genuine representation.

    He said the victory of APC in this election has reassured Rivers people that it is not all gloom and hopelessness but a bright future which beacons.

    He expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers South East for their resoluteness and dedicates the victory to all who sacrificed their blood in earlier elections to give the state a voice at the centre and good governance that captures the vision of our founding fathers

  • #Riversrerun: Abe thanks Amaechi, extends ‘hand of friendship’ to Wike in victory speech

    #Riversrerun: Abe thanks Amaechi, extends ‘hand of friendship’ to Wike in victory speech

    Senator elect of Rivers South East Senatorial district, Senator Magnus Abe, on Sunday, said he has extended a hand of friendship to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike in the interest of the state while urging that Wike should officially congratulate him on his win.

    Abe who made the declaration in his victory speech thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the people of Rivers State for their unflinching support.

    His words in full: “His words, first are to say that this has been a titanic struggle; it has been a very difficult two years for Rivers people and for all of us.

    My victory in this election is a reward for faithfulness. I have been faithful to my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). I have been faithful to my people, the people of the Rivers South East Senatorial District and I have been faithful to my leaders and I think God in his infinite mercies has rewarded me with this unprecedented victory. There is no victor, no vanquish.

    I want to thank my friend and brother, Distinguished Senator Olaka Nwogu for his very kind and peaceful words, which he has expressed to the people of this state.

    I also want to use this opportunity to extend a hand of friendship to the executive Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike and to say to him that he had promised that there was nothing personal in this contest and he has said that if I win he will congratulate me.

    The only barometer for measuring success in an election in this country is the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the commission has declared me the winner, I want to call on the governor to keep his words and send me his letter and words of congratulation because I have won.

    I want to also say that Rivers State has suffered enough and that it is time for us to bring this contest to an end.

    I want to thank my leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, my wife, my family and most importantly, the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District.

    You have spoken and you have spoken loud and clear. We should respect your views. We should work together to make this district a better place for Nigerians to live.

    I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for their kind words, friendship and support and I look forward to joining them in the red chamber as soon as possible.

     

  • #RiversRerun: Tension as result sheet in Amaechi’s unit misses

    #RiversRerun: Tension as result sheet in Amaechi’s unit misses

    Voting has been suspended at unit 14 ward 8, Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, the unit of the Transportation Minister, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

    This followed the discovered that Form EC8A is missing.

    The development raised anxiety as angry youths apprehended the Presiding Officer, PO, Siminore Oshinokho.

    They urged him to provide the missing materials, else ‘heads will roll.’

    But the PO, who had earlier collected and signed the original result sheet for ward 8 unit 14, said the form was misplaced and will be provided.

  • Rivers Re-Run: Amaechi accuses Wike, PDP of killings in Rivers

    Rivers Re-Run: Amaechi accuses Wike, PDP of killings in Rivers

    …assures electorates of Buhari’s commitment to security of lives and properties before, during and after the elections

    Former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has accused his successor, Governor Nyesom Wike and his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of being behind the extra judicial killings particularly during the 2015 general elections and the March 19 rerun elections in the state.

    Ameachi’s accusation is coming three days to the re-run elections scheduled to hold on December 10.

    Amaechi revealed this in an interaction with newsmen at the Port Harcourt International airport on arrival in the State for the Saturday re-run legislative elections in the State.

    He said the cache of arms and ammunition Wike recovered from cultists during the first phase of the Rivers State Amnesty Programme were evidences to buttress his allegations.

    In his words:”Wike has not denied he did not kill people, he sponsored those who carried arms in the 2015 general elections, even, during the campaigns, our people were beaten, manhandled and others threatened, leaving many dead, but, we will not continue to allow these things to happen like that. Members of the PDP were also responsible for killing APC members in Omoku”.

    Responding to Governor Wike’s alleged connivance with Police and INEC to rig the elections in favour of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Amaechi said: “If Governor Wike and the PDP have justifiable evidence, let them present it to the general public and stop blackmailing me or INEC and Police. The allegations are immaterial, null and void. Why is Wike and PDP making too much noise and fruitless allegations?”

    Speaking further on the chances of the APC in the legislative rerun, Ameachi said: “This is so because, as Governor then, l overhauled the Health and Education sectors by promoting Free Health care system and Free Education, over 10,000 teachers were employed, including the building of critical infrastructures, roads and youth empowerment, making Rivers people and other Nigerians to experience change. So l am very sure l had more popularity than any PDP stakeholder including Governors across the country.”

    Amaechi also averred the All Progressives Congress,(APC) has been campaigning for candidates in the re-run election in remote parts of the state, adding that, his arrival from Abuja on Tuesday night to Port Harcourt marks the third visit to join stakeholders of the party for campaigns in the state.

    He urged the people of the state to disabuse their minds against comments by the PDP and Governor Wike, which he said, were calculated to rubbish him in the eyes of right thinking persons, in order to score cheap popularity and further whip up public sentiments to heat up the polity.

    “On Wednesday, l will also join the APC stakeholders to carry out further campaigns, while on Thursday, there will be hold national campaign for the Party in the state to indicate our readiness and preparedness for the re-run elections” Amaechi said.

    He called on Rivers people and other Nigerians resident in the state, including supporters and stalwarts of the APC to turn out en- mass to vote on Saturday urging them to always protect their votes at election venues.

    “Before now, l used to tell my Party members to vote and protect their votes, but there has been complains of indecent attacks from the PDP , so, l have asked the APC party members to protect their votes and their lives as well, because the PDP cannot be bigger than everybody everywhere,” Amaechi explained.

    Amaechi equally expressed total displeasure over what he called, “irresponsible comments” by Wike, stating that, at several occasions, Wike has abused the office and privileges of the governor, especially, his sudden interception of Security operatives who were detailed by Law to arrest corrupt judges in some states across the country.

    In his words: “During my tenure as Governor, l never abused the office of the Governor, because, it is sacred and should be respected in all ramifications,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Minister in a broadcast which is was aired on Radio stations across Rivers State Wednesday called on Rivers people to take advantage of the December 10 rerun elections and vote the right persons to represent them and put an end to the terror they have been made to go through by the Wike and PDP administration in the State so far.

    Full texts of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s state wide broadcast:

    “This is another opportunity for us to exercise our right to vote for candidates of our choices. You would recall that the last time the elections were held, members of the APC were brazenly, crudely and violently prevented from exercising their inalienable rights to elect those they wanted. Those same characters and forces that stole our votes by violently denying us the right to vote the last time are at it again. In the months and weeks leading to this Saturday’s election, they have employed the use of violence and intimidation and harassment all aimed at preventing us from coming out to vote, they have turned our hitherto peaceful state into a haven of brazen criminality culminating in killings and maiming of innocent citizens.

    “However, it is gratifying to know that the Commander-in- Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the security of lives and property in the state before, during and after the election. Mr. President has graciously provided adequate security through the length and breadth of the state. I therefore, enjoin you all to come out en masse and exercise your civic right on Saturday. To this end, the reign of terror in some of our local government areas leading to senseless killings will not be tolerated as the security agencies have been directed to ensure the safety of all, before, during and after the elections. I therefore, implore you all to come out and exercise your rights to vote now that you have a chance to vote and your vote will count, choose wisely, vote APC,” Amaechi said.

    Again, he assured the people not to submit to any form of intimidation or threats while exercising their civic right, adding “let me assure you all that your security and safety is guaranteed.”