There has been a rash of presidential declarations everywhere in Nigeria as the quest for Buhari’s successor thickens. The ruling APC and its main opposition have been locked in a separate chess game of political wit and this has turned virtually every Nigerian into accidental political analysts.
Even as the cry for zoning is arrested by the overwhelming din of the voices of interests, aspirants continue to test their popularity with all manners of open declarations, in a contest that could swing either way. Yet, the name of one man who many may not have given any chance prior to the commencement of this electioneering circle continues to be the center of Nigeria’s official and unofficial political discussion platforms. That man is ROTIMI AMECHI – Nigeria’s current minister of transportation.
Although, politics is a game of vested interest, sentiments and all kinds Selfishness, the viral, yet hushed whispers of Rotimi Amechi’s chances of clinching the APC presidential ticket even among contestants, is surely something that’s worth another look. Not that his potential opponents will agree because let’s face it, the man is yet to even show interest, they know deep inside them that the man stands taller than most, if not all!
For starters, no one will accuse Amechi of old age, nor will anyone in his right senses claim the man is not qualified looking at his stellar record of service, and neither is his education ever in doubt. For the purpose of clarity, Rotimi Amechi is the only person among Nigeria’s current crop of presidential hopefuls to have led the legislature for 8 years, served as governor for 8 years and if God keeps him alive, would have served as perhaps one of Nigeria’s most performing minister of transport of all times.
About the latter, the records are out there for everyone to appreciate. For the avoidance of doubt, it was under Amechi’s stewardship that Nigerians of this era truly got to appreciate the wonders that alternative transport system, like railways bring to the economy. Kaduna – Abuja, Lagos – Ibadan, Kano – Katsina – Maradi, Warri – Itakpe and so many other routes about to come online. The man has proven that he’s a tricky and willy political customer, especially to those who attempted to use their powers to muscle him into cowering behind their ego. You don’t lead the house of Assembly for 8 years in unarguably, Nigeria’s most democratically deep periods without mastering the intrigues of political machinations.
I will not want to dwell on Amechi’s time as governor of Rivers state. Reason being that the people there still remember his days with nostalgia. And as people of the south continue to canvass for power shift to the region, I reckon Amechi will be the perfect carrier of their dreams. He’s at once to closest thing to an Igbo person in spite of the fact that he has refused to identify with the Biafra agitations as it is currently been executed, plus he comes evidently qualified for job having traversed every facet of democratic leadership.
As we await the man’s decision whether to run or not to run, it is my sincere belief that the APC presidential ticket is Amechi’s to lose if he throws his neck in the ring. I can even go a limb and declare here that Baba will be most amenable to an Amechi presidency seeing that he (Amechi) has helped to carry dreams and bridging the gap in transportation system to fruition.
Najeeb writes from Gombe
