A group known as Concerned Patriots of Nigeria has reacted to an online news medium publication which accused the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi as being responsible for the non take off of the Baro inland Port project.
The Chairman of the group, Barrister Chizy Enyi in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, described the report as not only misleading but malicious and undoubtedly, the hardwork of disgruntled persons who are bent on,’ causing disaffection and undermine the good intentions of the Minister who is doing all he can to fast track development in the transportation sector in line with the present administration’s policy of providing opportunities for employment ease of business and mobility.”
The statement reads;
“The attention of the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria has been drawn to a publication by one Vatsa which is targeted against the performing Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. We have taken time to study the haphazard reaction of Vatsa and we are convinced that he did not have a complete grasp of the issues.
“We, Concerned Patriots of Nigeria, have observed that some individuals are relentless in their effort to pull down patriotic sons and daughters of Nigeria who are distinguishing themselves in different spheres of responsibility assigned to them in a bid to translate the dream of the present administration into reality.
“Without mincing words, while we agree no man is infallible, we frown at the contents of a report published by Golden News of April 17,2021 in which one Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, accused the Hon.Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi of frustrating the formal take off of the Baro Inland Port Project in Niger State.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored this malicious, callous, malignant and repulsive publication which only aims to cause disaffection and undermine the good intentions and achievements of the Minister in fast tracking development in the Transportation sector in line with the present administration,’s policy of providing opportunities for employment,ease of business and mobility for Nigerians.
“The Golden News banner headline entitled” Baro Port: Vatsa lambasts Amaechi for frustrating take off” is not only misleading but reveals a recurring thread of junk journalism which is gradually being promoted in some circles over Investigative reporting.
“In the said publication, an unpatriotic Vatsa said the Kano-Niger Republic Rail line is a waste of the country’s resources. We are compelled to ask Mr. Vatsa if indeed he actually understands what he means a waste of resources.
“Let it be a reminder to Mr Vatsa that the Itakpe- Warri Rail lines is operational and has become the preferred mode of transport for the people around the axis.
“The Abuja- Kaduna Railway is also doing well and preferred by many including very important personalities.
“At a time the Nigerian government under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is looking inwards to mitigate the suffering impacted by Covid-19 pandemic, and focus appropriate attention on revamping the natiinal economy for the benefit of Nigerian citizens, It is unhealthy and worrisome that a man who claims to be a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Niger State would blame the Minister for the non take off of the Baro project.
“Vatsa would have taken cognisance of current global economic realities and the burden these realities are placing on the shoulders of world leaders, particularly in making right economic decisions in the face of shrinking financial resources that would place their nations on the path of recovery.
“It is obvious that this is certainly not a time to look at issues purely from a political standpoint. Accordingly, bureaucrats and technocrats are increasingly saddled with the task of making value based decisions, painful as they may be, that are necessary to stimulate growth and create instead of driving policies that constitute drains on economies that are struggling to escape from recession.
“Indeed, if Vatsa’s claim to being a member of the ruling APC is anything to go by, then one thing is clear. what is clear is that he is neither sincere to the party he claims to belong nor loyal to the party leadership .
“Our observation about Mr Vatsa stems from the fact that he has either lost touch with the development agenda of the present administration, or he is simply ignorant of the the way systems work.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Hon Minister of Transportation did not at any time or fora say that the operationalization of the Baro inland Port and others, was not realizable. As usual, the Minister might have been quoted out of context by the misguided politician who also claims to be the Coordinator to the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani- Bello on Public Affairs.
“We wonder how such a character would effectively coordinate public affairs of the governor when he is oriented in a culture of malice, treachery and unfounded allegations.
“Vatsa stated that” Prior to the 2019 general elections, President Buhari, during the Commissioning of the Port, expressed deep personal attachment to the project .He quoted the President as saying I( Buhari) assisted in the design of the complex during my time as Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Special Task Force ( PTF).”
“Vatsa went on, ” three years after the commissioning, the port is yet to take off, I believe that the non take off of the Port was the handiwork of the Minister of Transportation who has frustrated every efforts towards the realization of this important project”
“It is interesting that he ( Vatsa ) acknowledged the fact that the President had vested interest in the project he commissioned. However, Vatsa forgot to admit, and state the obvious fact, that good governance not only thrives on due process, but also on the need to engage in a cost benefit analysis that is required to guarantee success.
“The Rail way lines which are in different categories and geared towards criss crossing the length and breath of the country, including the tip of Maradi,a densely populated border town of Niger Republic, are designed to take advantage of the ernormous economic activities in the nation and reposition Nigeria as the frontier of business and trade in the West African sub region.
“The essence is to propel the country to a height that makes it a hub of business, a nation that is productive and one to reckon with in the community of nations. Besides, it is fitting to recall that Nigeria’s resolve to create ECOWAS was anchored on a strong need to create a huge market and encourage free movement of people and goods within the sub region that would benefit member countries, including Nigeria.
“Amaechi who has many times noted the serious threat posed by poverty in the land is doing all he can to ensure that through services provided by the Railways, life will be better .
“So, we do not understand where this sudden hate and act of calumny is coming from. We implore Vatsa and his co- travellers to look elsewhere to spew their uncanny frustrations, and leave the Minister of Transportation alone.
“Let it be known to Vatsa that Nigeria cannot afford to abandon its investments in different sectors, particularly in the transportation sector. Economists talk about opportunity cost, and it is only evident that at this time, the nation must prioritize its needs and embark on the execution of those projects that have the tendency to ensure huge economic benefits.
“Lifting Nigeria out of the economic wood’s and moving her gradually in the direction of prosperity is a task that must be done”. Chizy said
