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Tag: Rotimi Amaechi

  • Rivers prominent APC member, Princewill resigns over Muslim Muslim ticket

    Rivers prominent APC member, Princewill resigns over Muslim Muslim ticket

    After Bola Tinubu’ picked a Muslim running mate, a former ACN guber candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Princewill has resigned from APC.

    The former ACN guber candidate and an ally of former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this in a letter addressed to the APC chairman in Rivers State.

    He was the former guber candidate of ACN and other parties but defected in 2019 to APC.

    He explained in the letter that though he has no excuse to leave his brother Rotimi Amaechi but with this development, he has no moral right to remain in APC.

    See the resignation letter below:

    Muslim

  • Pastor Tunde Bakare disgraced, as delegates shun voting for him

    As more than 2,300 delegates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Wednesday gather at Eagle Square, Abuja, to select their presidential candidate, one of the presidential aspirants, Pastor Tunde Bakare, could not secure a single vote.

     

    Bakare, who is a Nigerian Prophetic-Apostolic pastor, had vowed to transform Nigeria if elected as the next Nigerian President.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Bakare had a “zero” vote, alongside the former governor of Imo State, Rocha Okorocha and Ikeobasi Mokelu.

     

    However, his bid, having been quashed by the party’s delegates, would have to return to pastoring the Latter Rain Assembly, which later metamorphosed to Global Citadel Community Church (CGCC).

     

    On stepping down for another presidential aspirant, Bakare had strongly maintained that he would not let go of his political ambition.

     

    According to Bakare, rather than stepping down for another presidential aspirant, he would step up.

    Bakare
    Pastor Tunde Bakare

     

    In his words: “I am not here to step down for anyone. I am here to step up as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

     

    The clergy became more famous after he was reportedly arrested in March 2002 after preaching sermons critical of then-president Olusegun Obasanjo.

     

    He was the running mate of the Nigerian presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 Nigerian presidential election.

     

    Bakare was a member and also Legal Adviser at the Deeper Life Bible Church before he left to join the Redeemed Christian Church of God where he not only became a Pastor but also originated and founded the Model Parish before he received the call to start the Latter Rain Assembly.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Bakare also said he would develop Nigeria like a genius if elected.

     

    The delegates of the APC gathered to vote on Tuesday in a primary election to choose the party’s candidate for next year’s election to replace the President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

    Buhari, who is stepping down after the two terms he is allowed in the constitution, arrived at the Eagle Square convention centre early in the evening of Tuesday before voting was to start.

     

    The Nigerian leader has spent days leading up to the convention in negotiations with the APC’s leaders seeking unity over a party candidate.

     

    He said: “The fate of the party depends on what we do here,” APC party chairman Abdullahi Adamu said, echoing Buhari’s call for unity in the ranks.

     

    “We cannot go into the general election next year without putting our house together.”

  • 2023: Osinbajo absent from VIP box as Tinubu leads in APC presidential primary

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is momentarily not present in the VIP box of Eagle Square as Bola Tinubu leads in the ongoing presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the reason for Osinbajo’s absence is not yet known, but he is currently trailing Tinubu as the ballots are being sorted.

    As of 11:12 am when ballots are being sorted, Tinubu has scored 900 votes, while the Vice President has scored 127 votes, trailing Rotimi Amaechi as well, who has scored 179 votes.

    Ahmed Lawal has scored 53 votes, Yahaya Bello has scored 23 votes, Dave Umahi has scored 10 votes, Ben Ayade has scored 9 votes, Ahmed Sani has scored 2 votes, Sani Yerima has scored 1 vote, and void votes were 7.

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the Yemi Osinbajo media Council, Barr Richard Akinnola has conceded defeat and congratulated Tinubu.

    He stated thus: “Congratulations, Asiwaju Tinubu, the presumed winner of the primaries. In any contest, there must be a winner.

    “However, I’m very proud of my choice of support in the person of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. I have no iota of regret over my support for him.

    “It was a privilege to play a pivotal role for him during the process. I would gladly do it over and over again.

    “It’s a matter of conviction. And for all our supporters and other volunteers who worked assiduously, day and night on the PYO project, God bless you all. I’m so proud of all of you.

    “As l often say, God rules in the affairs of men and He has a purpose for what just happened.

    “Understandably, many of you are dispirited and downcast but do not let your heart be troubled.

    “There must be a reason God allowed this. It may not be manifest to us now but later as He is all knowing.

    “I’m unfazed, unbowed and VERY PROUD of PYO. Our supporters, abeg, make una shake it off. No be say person die Life goes on. No yawa.

     

     

    More details follow shortly…

  • UPDATE: Amaechi, Tinubu, Osinbajo, others battle for APC presidential ticket

    Immediate past Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are among 14 aspirants currently slugging it out for who emerges as the winner of the presidential primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports voting is currently ongoing at the Eagles Square, the venue of the special national convention of the APC, where the presidential flagbearer of the party is being decided.

    At the time of filing this report, 14 aspirants, including former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, were still in the race. However, Nwajiuba was visibly absent from the venue of the APC special national convention.Nwajiuba’s younger brother has, however, given reasons why the Minister was absent.

    Other aspirants still in the race are Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mr Ahmed Rufai, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, Mr Jack Rich, Gov. Ben Ayade, Gov. David Umahi, Sen. Ahmed Yarima, Dr Ahmed Lawal, Gov. Yahaya Bello and Mr Ogbonnaya Onu.

    Nine aspirants had earlier withdrawn from the race including Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr Felix Nicholas, former Gov. Godswill Akpabio, former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, Gov. Muhammad Badaru, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

    Only female aspirant, Kennedy-Ohnenye withdraws from APC presidential race

    Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential race.

    Nicholas announced his withdrawal while addressing delegates at APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He directed his supporters to vote for Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at the convention.

    Former Gov. Godswill Akpabio and former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had earlier withdrawn from the race urging his supporters to vote for Tinubu.

    Felix Nicholas withdraws from APC presidential race

    Dr Felix Nicholas has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential race.

    Nicholas announced his withdrawal while addressing delegates at APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He directed his supporters to vote for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the convention.

    Former Gov. Godswill Akpabio, former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun and former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had earlier withdrawn from the race urging his supporters to vote for Tinubu.

    Dimeji Bankole withdraws from APC presidential race

    Former Speaker of the House of Representative, Mr Dimeji Bankole, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential race.

    Bankole announced his withdrawal while addressing delegates at APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He directed his supporters to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He was the fourth aspirant to withdraw from the race.

    Former Gov. Godswill Akpabio, former Gov. Kayode Fayemi and former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had earlier withdrawn from the race, all urging their supporters to vote for Tinubu.

    Boroffice, Badaru, withdraw from APC presidential race

    Sen. Ajayi Boroffice (APC-Ondo) and Gov. Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa have withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential race.

    They announced their withdrawal while addressing delegates at APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.
    They directed his supporters to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the convention.

    Former Gov. Godswill Akpabio, former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun and former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had earlier withdrawn from the race urging his supporters to vote for Tinubu.

    Fayemi withdraws from APC presidential race, asks supporters to vote Tinubu

    Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirants, has withdrawn from the race.

    Fayemi announced his withdrawal while addressing delegates at the APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He directed his supporters to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu instead.

    Former Gov. Godswill Akpabio and former Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had earlier withdrawn from the race urging their supporters also to vote for Tinubu.

    Amosun withdraws from APC presidential race

    Former Governor of Ogun, Ibikunle Amosu, one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirants, has withdrawn from the race.

    Amosun announced his withdrawal while addressing delegates at APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He directed his supporters to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the convention.

    Former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, had earlier withdrawn from the race urging his supporters to vote for Tinubu.

    Akpabio withdraws from APC presidential race

    Sen. Godswill Akpabio, one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirants, has withdrawn from the race.

    Akpabio, also a former Akwa Ibom governor, announced his withdrawal while addressing delegates at APC Special National Convention on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He directed his supporters to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the convention.

  • Supreme Court judgment vindicates me – Amaechi

    Supreme Court judgment vindicates me – Amaechi

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said today’s Supreme Court judgement vindicated him.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Amaechi made this known in a statement on Friday shortly after the apex court delivered the judgement.

    The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the former minister of transportation, seeking to stop his probe into an alleged N96 billion fraud.

    In dismissing the appeal, however, the court pronounced that the function of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government was only investigative, that nobody, neither Amaechi nor anyone else, was on trial before the panel.

    TNG reports the apex court ruled on the Appeal filed by Amaechi against the Rivers State Government on the Justice Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

    The statement reads: “The Supreme Court ruling clearly vindicates the former Governor of Rivers State. The apex court was categorical and clear that Amaechi was not on trial. The implication of this is that any indictment from the Commission is null and void and cannot stand.

    ‘With this judgment, Amaechi has been vindicated and cleared him of all purported or alleged indictment by the Governor Wike’s Commission.

    “It has been further settled that the decisions/recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry and subsequent White Paper issued by the State Government is not a conviction or indictment and cannot stand.

    ‘From the onset, it was obvious to any discerning mind that the Commission was set up to embarrass, denigrate and humiliate Amaechi.

    “The apex court judgment today, further buttressed this stance. A Commission purportedly set up to investigate past financial transactions was actually a Commission to personally witch-hunt Amaechi”.

  • What if it is an Osinbajo vs Obi or Amaechi/Tinubu vs Atiku race? – By Mideno Bayagbon

    What if it is an Osinbajo vs Obi or Amaechi/Tinubu vs Atiku race? – By Mideno Bayagbon

    By Mideno Bayagbon

    (mideno@thenewsguru.ng)

    It is the week of primaries across the two major political parties, nationwide. Already, candidates are beginning to emerge for all the roles that need filling up in May 2023. States Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate candidates, except in places where exigencies led to the postponement of the primaries, are now known.  As at press time, across the country, it has been surprisingly calm. Only one fatality, in Ogbia local government of Bayelsa state, has been reported. Very unlike the usual fare where thuggery and bloodshed are the common denominator.

    We have even had the rare privilege of seeing a defeated candidate, Orode Uduaghan, daughter of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, congratulating her opponent who beat her at the primaries. A commendable gesture.

    But all our eyes are on the big one: the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC; and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Whoever emerges in any of the parties will give us an indication of what 2023 and after holds in stock for Nigeria and Nigerians. For now however, the two parties are playing hide and seek with each other. They each want the other to conduct their primaries first. So in this game of the mind, it might come to the last minute before we eventually get to know who each party has selected to carry its flag. The suspicion is that both of them want to field candidates from the same geographical zone; but, if only they  think they have a better candidate who can floor the opponent in the election from that same zone.

    In this calculations, for example, if PDP were to pick Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as its flag bearer, the fear within the APC will be that there is no Southern candidate who can match him in the north. So APC will not want to field an Alhaji Bola Tinubu who may want to present a Moslem-Moslem ticket: Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an Alhaji  Abdullahi Umar Ganduje pair, which was on the card before Kwankwaso and Shekarau tore Ganduje’s remaining political capital to shreds, recently.

    There will be great revulsion in the South and Christian north against a Tinubu Moslem-Moslem ticket even though Tinubu has always believed that it can be managed, that he can swing it. Yet it was because Buhari and his minders did not believe, despite Tinubu’s assurances, that it can sail through in today’s religious, geographically and ethnically fractured Nigeria, that an Osinbajo, and not Tinubu ended up as Vice President to Buhari.

    Nevertheless, were he to present the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, a Christian, or even the current one, Boss Mustapha,  another Christian, the fear will be that the average Northern Moslem does not consider a Moslem from the South as a proper Moslem so will be suspicious of a Tinubu candidacy parading a Northern Christian. Again the average Northern Moslem may not feel comfortable enough to cast their vote for a Northern Christian as their  Vice Presidential representative. Not if blood thirsty radicals like Isa Ali Pantami, Buhari’s Aso Rock imam and minister for Communication and Digital Economy, and his bunch have a say.

    True, Tinubu says it has always been his life ambition to be President of Nigeria. True, too, he and his camp believe this is his God ordained time to achieve that feat. There is no doubt that he is one of the top three, if not the top candidate for the APC ticket. With his wealth, pedigree and political connections in the north, perhaps but for a few attenuating factors, this could actually be his time. But close watchers of his ambitious foray, aver that Tinubu’s boisterous optimism is hiding three critical fears.  First, his age. This is perhaps the last and only opportunity the one his admirers fondly call Jagaban or Asiwaju, has to claim the presidency of NIgeria. He will be well into his 80s before another opportunity presents itself.

    Moreover, the President’s notorious body language, and schemings by his close associates, do not seem to suggest that Tinubu has the President’s critical support. To put it mildly, he is not the Villa’s candidate. He would have to deploy massive counter offensives, which some reckon in Naira, Dollars and Pound Sterling to make a headway.

    Then there is the little matter of his health. Should he miss it this time, it is mostly likely the end of the road for his ambition to rule Nigeria. By the time another opportunity knocks, he will be too old, too frail to be of any contention. So for Asiwaju, this primaries is a do or die affair.

    So comes in Senate President Ahmed Lawan. He is from the same North East like Atiku Abubakar and a Moslem like him. Seemingly drafted into the race, in the last minute, he is the openly hidden hands of the die hard irredentists who want power to remain in the North, at all cost.  No doubt, he can easily get one of the so called Southern aspirants to kowtow to him as vice presidential candidate. Black sheep like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, whose South Eastern region has been clamouring for the presidential slot of the parties to be zoned to them, has already jumped ship, hoping to be the one, despite the heavy political baggage he carries, who will be selected to be Vice Presidential candidate to Lawan. But this is politics in Nigeria where a bunch of people with criminal codes are among those who make laws and determine the future of the country.

    Like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is on his last leg as an aspirant for the exalted position. He is about 76 years old currently. This is for him too a-do-or-die affair. Yet of all the candidates, in both parties, he is the one who has wanted it the most. He is the most prepared but age and zoning sentiments are not looking good for him. He is giving it his all but whether his all will convince Southern leaders and delegates to make him, yet again, PDP’s candidate is the waiting game we all have to participate in.

    Lets stretch the permutation further. Lets say APC comes up with an Osinbajo or an Amaechi, with potential of having a strong Northern Moslem as Vice. Will the PDP retaliate with a Peter Obi, who is currently riding high in the public mind, but is relatively unknown in the north; or a Nyesom Wike, the self-acclaimed mad man ready to fix the country? Of course they will go for a strong Moslem Vice Presidential candidate.

    What an interesting time it would be if the choices were Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo  (APC), versus a Peter Obi (PDP); or Rotimi Amaechi (APC) vs Nyesom Wike or Bala Mohammed, or Anyim Pius Anyim (PDP). Seemingly possible scenario: Atiku Abubakar versus Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Well I am commenting as an outsider not privy to the last minute horse trading going on in the conclaves of the two parties. But one thing is sure: no Nigerian alive today can conveniently predict who will emerge the candidates of the two parties. It is that fluid. But a wild guess: Atiku Abubakar  (PDP) versus  Ahmed Lawan (APC). Rotimi Amaechi for President is a very high possibility.

  • Amaechi in Katsina: ‘I will fight poverty, insecurity’

    Amaechi in Katsina: ‘I will fight poverty, insecurity’

    Former Minister of Transportation and Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has promised to turn the tide of insecurity and poverty around in the country if given the opportunity to be President in 2023.

    Amaechi was speaking to delegates of the APC in Katsina State, the home State of President Muhammadu Buhari during his consultative visit on Monday.

    He said if things don’t change soon, Nigeria may disintegrate to the point where there’s a total divide between the rich and the poor to the detriment of peace and security in the country, offering himself as the right candidate to restore peace, security and equity to Nigeria.

    “If Nigeria does not move back to agriculture and move from agriculture to industrial and manufacturing, the breakup you’ll see is the poor versus the rich. It will not be Muslims versus Christian’s or North versus South. It will be the poor versus the rich. So we must build the Nigerian economy to accommodate the poor. If you don’t accommodate the poor, you will run away.

    “Have you heard of Songhai farm? Three hundred hectares of Songhai farm, the biggest Songhai farm in the world was built by me. We built hostels for 500 farmers, when we train you and graduate you, we give you money, give you product to go and start your own farm, then we take another 500. We began to produce. By the time I left office, the farm was producing money to run itself, no more government money.
    We created 2000 hectares of Banana farm. We did it partly to create employment. Everyday we employed 500 persons.”

    On insecurity, Amaechi narrated how he fought militancy and kidnapping to a standstill as Governor of Rivers State, adding, “That’s why anywhere I go (for consultations with delegates) I go with Gen. Buratai (former Chief of Army Staff, who was then Brigade Commander in Rivers State) and former Inspector General of Police, Abba Suleiman, who was Commissioner of Police in Rivers State at the time. Former Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar was Air Force commander (in Rivers State at the time). We were bombing them everyday until they ran away.”

    Amaechi said he has been blessed with leadership over the years and he has performed in every position he has held, noting that his bid to become president is aimed at giving back to the country and the people.

    “God has blessed me enough. What I’m doing is giving back. God has made me Speaker for a eight years, Governor for eight years, God has blessed me through President Buhari to make me Minister for Transportation. In all of them, I discharged my responsibility. I don’t listen to people who gossip. When we were to do Kano-Maradi rail line, I hope you read the newspapers. There’s no name they did not call me, I did not listen, I went ahead with Kano-Maradi, because I have two arguments. Are you (the people of Katsina State) not Nigerians? Are they saying railway should not get to Katsina because you’re not Nigerians? So because you’re Nigerians, you’re entitled to railway.”

    “With that same spirit, if I become President, I’ll be President for every Nigerian. I know you have employed me, I am your servant. For women, I don’t believe in 30 percent, you must be given equal opportunities.

    Speaking earlier, Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari said with Amaechi’s performance and level of developmental projects put in Katsina State while he was minister, the state should be the one blowing his trumpet.

    “Chibuike Amaechi is a personal friend and indeed a friend in need. We have come a long way. I know him to be a very hardworking person and courageous person…You are not the one to blow your trumpet. I think we are in a better position to blow your trumpet.,” Masari said.

    The Governor outlined the issues of Katsina State to include insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and the burden of rehabilitating displaced people, adding that the people of Katsina would go with a candidate capable of fixing those issues.

    “To the people of Katsina, these are very very important for anybody coming to give us assurances for security, restoration of our normal lives,” he said.

    For the Chairman of the APC in Katsina State, Muhammad Sani, it’s time for the people of the State to pay back the good deeds of the former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, towards them.

    He said, “Your visionary leadership traits, your charisma, your can-do Spirit has not only transformed Katsina State to a mini Nigeria but, set it on the path of development. This indeed has made your name a household name among your equals.

    “Your foresight of establishing the University of Transportation, rail line passing through Daura to Niger Republic and other institutions as well as other developmental strides have really endeared you to the people of Katsina. Little wonder you were recently turbaned as the ‘Dan Amanar Daura. Similarly, over the years your love for the North has remained constant as seen in your undiluted and staunch support for President Buhari.

    “The saying that, ‘one good turn, deserves another, comes to play at this critical moment of your political journey. We believe that if you can transform a state to a mini Nigeria where all persons irrespective of tribe and religion come to find their daily bread and live in peace and harmony, then you can transform the whole country, if given the chance to navigate the
    ship of Nigeria. Permit me to say, Dan Amanar Daura sir, Nigeria truly awaits your uncommon and result oriented leadership,” Sani said.

  • 2023 presidency: Amaechi blasts Kalu for supporting Ahmed Lawan

    2023 presidency: Amaechi blasts Kalu for supporting Ahmed Lawan

    Presidential aspirant under the auspices of All Progressive Congress (APC) Rotimi Amaechi has blasted Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, for queuing behind the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan in the presidential race.

    Reacting to Kalu’s support for Lawan, Amaechi said that the former Abia state Governor is not relevant to the 2023 Presidential aspiration of the South-East.

    Kalu withdrew from the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Presidential race and backed Lawan’s ambition.

    The former Abia State Governor said he decided to withdraw from the race because APC has no zoning arrangement.

    Amaechi further explained that the likes of Orji Kalu can’t make any difference to the pursuit of a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction.

    “Orji Uzor Kalu and his likes have the right to support anybody they want to support for the President of Nigeria in the 2023 Presidential election. They are, however, not so relevant in Igbo land; they can’t make any difference.

    “If such people who have no relevance in South-East are saying otherwise to the demand of their people, how do you blame them? They cannot make any difference and so nobody should lose sleep about their actions and utterances, you may not even know what their plans are,” He said

  • 2023: I’ll run an all-inclusive government – Amaechi

    2023: I’ll run an all-inclusive government – Amaechi

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has assured that he would run an all-inclusive government if he clinches his party’s ticket and wins in the general election.

    Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, in a statement on Friday, said if elected President, everyone would be a stakeholder and contribute to nation building.

    He made the remarks during a consultative visit to the Kogi governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and delegates of the party at the Government House in Lokoja on Friday.

    Amaechi, who lauded Bello for his ambition to be President in his fourties, however said he is the most experienced of all the aspirants, strong enough to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “This is the 28th state that I have visited in the course of my consultations. I’m not one of the aspirants, I am the leading aspirant in the party.

    ”Again, I welcome my friend Gov. Bello who wants to run, he is a young man, he is entitled to run for the office of the President but I have more experience in governance and leadership roles than him.

    “I will carry everybody along. To appoint the Minister coming from Kogi, I will come to you people and allow you to nominate whom you want.

    ”The reason for that, is to get everybody involved so that you can approach your Minister and your Minister will know that he is responsible to you.

    “Please don’t vote for anybody else, vote for me. As Speaker, I was Chairman of Speakers’ Forum, as Governor, I was the Chairman of Governors’ Forum twice, as DG of President Buhari Campaign, I managed everybody, I managed the campaign, that’s experience.

    ”And at the end of the day, we elected President Buhari. The first time in Nigeria that we removed an incumbent government. So we were determined as we are determined now,” he said.

    Responding, Bello, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Edward Onoja, welcomed his co-aspirant.

    Bello said: ”We believe that God will give Nigeria the best product that can secure, unite and foster peace in the country.

    ”We appreciate that you even remembered to come to Kogi State. To have gone round 28 States, it shows stamina, it shows strength. We wish you well,” he said.

  • 2023: Ex-COAS, Buratai drums support for Amaechi in Bauchi

    2023: Ex-COAS, Buratai drums support for Amaechi in Bauchi

    As the consultations with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country by Presidential Aspirant and former Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi continue to attract high profile support, a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has endorsed the former Minister, stating that his loyalty and love for Nigeria and humanity is unmatched.

    Gen. Buratai who is currently, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, gave this endorsement at a parley with delegates of the APC in Bauchi, Wednesday night, when he and other dignitaries accompanied the Presidential hopeful, Chibuike Amaechi to solicit delegates’ support in Bauchi ahead of the party’s primaries.

    Burutai stated that he was spurred to give his support to Amaechi due to his outstanding profile and vast experience in governance.

    He said, “You can see from the introduction, the experience of our Presidential aspirant. The profile of Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is quite intimidating. He has proven to be a sound administrator, a versatile leader, a good strategist and a politician per excellence, who has shown good qualities in all areas he had worked. As Speaker, as Governor, as Minister and also first among equals during his tenure as Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, as well as the dexterity and the quality of the campaign (for President Buhari) that he led on two occasions. That is why I am giving him my full support.

    “He did that diligently with all his determination, loyalty and of course with love for Nigeria and love for humanity irrespective of what religion you belong to. This is quite commendable, that’s why he’s here today to solicit for your votes. From what you have heard about him, I believe you know that he’s the man of the moment. He is the right choice. So, I urge you to make the right choice and vote for him,” Buratai said.

    Addressing the delegates, Amaechi said he is the only aspirant in the party with impressive records that would defeat the opposition party. He urged the delegates to vote for him for the overall benefit of all Nigerians.

    According to him, “This is the moment of decision. For twenty two years I have held public office, as Speaker, as Governor and as Minister. And in all of these, you will see my footprint. There’s a railway construction going on from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. It includes Bauchi and it’s called the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway. If you vote for me, that project will be completed and it will create employment. So vote for me, make me the candidate of the party. I doubt that the other aspirants have the capacity to defeat me, If you vote for me I will defeat PDP.”

    Earlier, at a visit to the Emir of Bauchi, HRM Dr. Rilwan Suleiman Adamu, Amaechi used the occasion to re-emphasize his commitment to deliver on infrastructure and tackle insecurity if elected.

    “Your Highness, I am here to seek for your blessings, to appeal to the Bauchi delegates to give me their votes on the day of the primaries, because there is no aspirant in our party that is as prepared as I am to be the President of Nigeria.

    “I have the energy, I have the capability, I have the knowledge and the strength to be the President of Nigeria. I have the experience of what the problems are and what the solutions should be and I’m seeking your support to provide solutions to those problems.

    “One of the things I did to fight militancy in Port Harcourt was to create employment. I will introduce agricultural programmes to create jobs for the people. I will provide infrastructure in Bauchi, I am full of experience, If you vote for me I will chase the criminals away. I did it in Port Harcourt and Rivers State and I am prepared to do it again. I will do my best to restore security in the country. Please tell your people to vote for me and I will bring that experience to bear, Amaechi said.