As the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, continues his political consultations in the North, the Emir of Dutse, Nuhu Sanusi, has described him as the best man for the country’s number one seat.
Making the remarks at his Palace in Dutse, Jigawa State, yesterday, the monarch said his convictions were predicated on Amaechi’s performance, both as a governor and minister.
He recalled that Amaechi, as governor of Rivers State, fought insecurity to a standstill and improved the lots of the masses.
“In Nigeria, we are always carried away by tribal, political and other issues; but there’s a detribalised Nigerian that I know; it is Amaechi, who provided a place for Muslims for worship in Rivers, which I understand were destroyed after he left. He endured all the humiliations targeted at making the Muslims feel unwanted in Port Harcourt. I also know that God will reward him.
“In this country, we are faced with distress, and part of it is by our own making, not the government. The issue include unemployment, corruption, infrastructure decay and social vices such as armed robbery and banditry. My knowledge and understanding of this gentleman man, Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, is that he has what it takes to fight insurgency. He did mention one; that when he was governor, there was criminality and other vices and he was able to control them,” the Emir said.
According to him, it takes a man with good leadership qualities to respond swiftly to the yearnings of the people.
“When I heard about the train going to Maradi, I called Amaechi to ask why the train was not passing through Dutse, and he told me that he would do something about it. This gentleman, three months later, was able to get the approval for Dutse to be included in the Kano–Maradi rail line. This is the Rotimi Amaechi that I know, and I hope you will come back like you brought Buhari two times here to campaign for him. We hope the next visit will be when you clinch the seat,” he added.
Earlier, the minister said he was at the palace to solicit support of the Emir and the people of Dutse in the coming presidential primary of the All Progressives congress (APC).
He assured the Emir that if given the support, he would see to the commencement of the Kano–Maradi rail project, which passes Dutse.
