• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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President Buhari hinted me about return to cabinet— Amaechi

Abuja-Kaduna train service to resume July 29 – Amaechi

President Muhammadu Buhari had hinted me about my return as a member of his cabinet. The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has revealed .

The minister while speaking at his swearing-in reception in Abuja stated that, “the President told me the same week cabinet was dissolved that I will return you to cabinet. I kept it a secret but I could have announced to you. So all those who were running helter-skelter, we knew that God would not allow them to have their way”.

Amaechi who thanked God for his reappointment, promise that he would take the ministry to a greater height.

According to him, “We are grateful to God for the opportunity to serve again. I know how many of you were frightened that we would not get the appointment”, he said.

He further urged those who came to celebrate with him to go home to prepare for World, Local Government and State Congresses, adding that only those who can deliver should be carried along.

“Be mindful of those who can betray, they are taking bribe here and there, I’m not talking about our party or supporters, I am talking about the institutions that are taking bribe here and there

“Go home and prepare for Congress, thank you and God bless you”, he said.

A board member, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Maureen Tamuno while speaking on the Minister’s return, said it is a welcome development for the NRC and Nigeria as there has been a lot of work done in the railway sector.

She expressed hopes that with Amaechi’s return, things will move hastily and a lot of cities will be connected by rail.

“My expectation is for the Minister to ensure that rail transport stands out to be an alternative transport for Nigeria, I believe the Federal government will look inwards and also make some money available to The Nigerian Railway and not just depending on the Chinese alone. We have to invest in the rail sector so that could serve and lessen the pressure on the road and air travel as well as cargo movement

Speaking about the Minister’s reappointment, an elder statesman, Chief Sampson Agbaru,a Political leader in Ikwerre land, said that he is proud of the minister for bringing Ikwerre together, adding that today is one of his best days.

“This man will lift Ikwerre and Nigeria higher, he is a man that everyone is proud of because he works and performs his best, God created him for a purpose and until he does so, Nigeria will not be happy. It’s good to give way to people who know the work.

Chairman, APC Rivers State Chapter, Hon. Flag Amachree Ojukaye expressed gladness that Amaechi did not disappoint in the first tenure adding that he won’t disappoint in this present tenure

“We are happy that he performed very well and that he has been brought back to the same ministry to complete the good work he has been doing.

“I know that he is very passionate about completing the railway and some other projects and we are optimistic that he would do us proud. We have so much confidence in him and know he will do us proud”.

Meanwhile, Ehanire Osagie, who also officially resumed office as the minister for health after being sworn in pledged to expand Universal Health Coverage to all Nigerians.

The new minister arrived at the ministry at the Federal Secretariat Complex in company of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi soon after the swearing in exercise which took place earlier in the day at the Presidential Villa, to assume duties.

Upon assuming duties, Ehinare said he will expand health coverage to achieve health security in the next four years of his tenure.

He stated that his main vision for the sector to includes the expansion of health coverage, particularly the Primary Health Sector, Improvement in the quality of Medicare in hospitals, improving the indices in health security in the country amongst others.

The spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of health, Ogundoro Modupe in a statement on Wednesday said Ehinare and the newly sworn in minister of state for health, Adeleke Mamora who also assumed duties on Wednesday have expressed desire to work together to foster Buhari’s Agenda for the general upliftment of the Sector.

According to the statement, Mamora on his part promised that the Ministry would work in synergy with all relevant Stakeholders to move the sector forward.

“To achieve these, we must change certain things by working together with the agencies,” Mamora was quoted saying.

 

Stella Enenche & Godsgift Onyedinefu, Abuja