In his quest to clinch the All Progressives Congress, APC ticket for the 2023 Presidential election, Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has assured that he would be a President that would reflect all tribes and religion in the country.
Amaechi said he would be detribalized and would ensure that the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians are protected, irrespective of tribe and religion.
Amaechi gave the assurances when he visited the Paramount Ruler of Akure kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Aladetonyibo Aladelusi Ogunlade (Odun Dun the 2nd), Monday.
He also paid a private visit to Elder Statesman, Chief Olu Falae, and proceeded to Ibadan, where he paid a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Olalekan Balogun, and met with delegates and party faithfuls at the Oyo State APC secretariat.
To the Deji of Akure, Amaechi said, “You recognized us for who we are, you recognized us not as a Yoruba candidate, not as an Hausa candidate, not as an Igbo candidate or Ikwerre where I come from, but as a Nigerian candidate. I am detribalized, I don’t know Yoruba or Hausa, I just know Nigeria, and everybody should be treated like that, there should be no segregation,” he said.
Amaechi also restated that he would improved upon the security situation in the country if elected, as he would deploy his wealth of experience in governance and fighting insecurity.
“Your Majesty sir, It is not enough to say I was a former Governor for two terms, former Speaker for two terms, and all of that. The question to ask is what did I do with those positions? Because when I say I come with experience, I actually come with experience. Quite a lot of those who are contesting or aspiring to be the President don’t come with that kind of experience that I come with. I have governed a state where there was insecurity. When I was Governor of Rivers state, they were kidnapping two months old babies. The first they confronted me with was the kidnap of a prominent Nigerian, a Rivers man, Prof. Nimi Briggs, one time Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and the next person they kidnapped was the wife of late Chief Lulu Briggs, prominent people, and I was barely few weeks or months old in office, I rescued them.
“So we equipped the military and police, we trained them and made sure that at any point in time you kidnap anybody, we are in the position to rescue the person and punish the kidnappers. So I am experienced in finding solutions to insecurity,” he said.
Amaechi reiterated that if given the opportunity to govern Nigeria, he would ensure the Traditional Institution is given a place in the constitution. “By God’s grace, if I win in the primaries and win the general elections, the traditional institutions will be given a responsibility in the constitution. I can assure you of that. So, we are here to request for the support of our friends and brothers from Akure kingdom and Ondo state, Amaechi said.
Responding, Oba Ogunlade, described Amaechi as a grassroots politician who knows the needs of his people.
He said, “You are a grassroots politician, because you started from the grassroots, you know your people and you know everybody. You have already passed through the hierarchy of politics, from Speaker, two times. All this two times position has a meaning,” putting two fingers up, the Deji said it signifies peace.
“In a good democracy setting you should not have any problems at all. Currently, you have transformed the Ministry of Transportation, and I want the rail to come to Akure with the Seaport in Ondo. Whatever it takes for the rail to come to Akure, we will do it, and whatever it takes for the Seaport to come to Ondo, the people of Ondo will do it. We are not doubting you at all because you passed through all the stages. You did what you were supposed to do at each stage, all those that elected you, they did because of your integrity and for the love you have for your people. Not for your people alone, but for the nation.
“Like you said earlier, you are not from Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba alone, you are a typical Nigerian and we take it like that and when you get there, I know you will be a typical Nigerian not one sided,” he said.
Amaechi also addressed party executives, members and delegates at the APC secretariat in Akure, and urged them to vote for him at the primaries, as he is capable of tackling the security challenges and fostering growth and inclusion in the country and the party at large.
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