Gov Lalong, Deputy Reps Speaker, Oshiomhole, Others In Attendance
By Godwin Anene
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has given reasons why he is the best man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s next president.
Amaechi, who officially declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, said he has the capacity to unite the country.
The former Rivers State governor made the declaration on Saturday during the thanksgiving service of Rivers APC in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Amaechi’s declaration was attended by Plateau State Governor State, Simon Lalong; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase; former National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and host of other top chieftains of APC.
Declaring his intention to contest the 2023 presidency, he stated that his aspiration was not to serve personal interests.
In his mission statement titled, “Forward with Courage”, said he has consulted widely before making his declaration public.
He noted that within the period he has served as the Chairman of council of Speakers of the 36 states of the federation, Chairman of Governor’s Forum for two terms and then the Director General of President Muhammadu Buhari for two terms.
“My aspiration is not about fulfilling any personal ambition. I am contesting for the office because I believe that it is my moral duty to give what I can in the service of my country.
According to him, To sustain and intensify present efforts at solving our national problems, our democracy must ensure the emergence of a leadership that is equipped with broad experience in governance to ensure stability and continuity.
“To sustain our democracy and preserve our unity, we need a steady hand and a passion for success in a nation that remains united to pursue prosperity for all Nigerians.”
“It is this combination of experience and patriotic passion that I bring to the table. I have been in the political arena for 23 years. I have served at every level of government – local, state, and federal. I have served both as a political appointee and an elected official. I have served both as an executive – as Governor of Rivers State and as a legislator – as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
“Today, I stand as an aspirant to the position of President because of that same passion for people; that same drive for results. More than ever before, I am burning with the zeal to make a decisive difference in the lives of all Nigerians.
“I pledge my heart, mind and soul to the task of building a Nigeria in which every child can go to school, every young person can find work or support to start a business, every citizen can travel safely around the country and sleep at night knowing that law and order prevails and every Nigerian feels included, heard, and respected.”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor State, Simon Lalong, who spoke on behalf of Northern State Governors Forum and Progressives Governor’s Forum, said they are in support of Amaechi’s presidential race.
Lalong also clarified that he was earlier misquoted in the media that Amaechi had no political structure in his home state of Rivers.
He stated that APC and the Transportation Minister has formidable structure to win any election in the state and in the country.
“You know that Amaechi is the Dan Amana Daura, he is somebody we trust. I am also here for Progressives Governor’s Forum.
“This is a small take off from Rivers State. I am happy today, because six years ago we came here and started a campaign that produced a brand new President. That campaign was led by your son, Amaechi
“When we were told on the television that there was no APC in Rivers State. What we have seen today, many people will not sleep.
“We will not take it by force, we will work with the grace of God. I don’t want to talk too much, because they will say I am his friend. But a friend that is good you will always go with him. This Thanksgiving has vindicated him. Let the will of God”, Plateau governor stated.
Also, Hon. Idris Wase, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, described Amaechi as a dogged fighter, noting that God used Amaechi to revive the rail system.
Wase said: “I want to appreciate party faithful here. We want to thank God. This gathering is all about Nigeria. I want to appreciate my leader, Hon Rotimi Amaechi. He is a dogged fighter.
“God has used him as a point of contact to revive the rail way system, and by implication the economy of Nigeria.
“We at the National assembly will continue to support you to achieve your mandate. This gathering compared to our last convention this has a better crowd. With this we are sure of the taking what is ours.”
On his part, Comrade Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, commended Amaechi for the unity and reconciliation in Rivers APC, calling for stronger bond among part faithful.
Oshiomhole said, “Let me appreciate the man who has invited us for the Thanksgiving and for the reconciliation of the party in the state. I want to appreciate the Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi, who has extended his invitation.
“I am excited that we have united our party in Rivers State. I am here to witness the unity of APC in Rivers State. May God help us to uphold this unity, and service and remove bitterness in every heart and position us for victory.”
