Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has explained why he ran round Port Harcourt stadium during his recent declaration for the topmost job.
He said he engaged in the exercise to ascertain his physical fitness for the demanding task of leading Nigeria.
He spoke when he visited the Ooni of Ife,Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,in his palace,where he also said he’s a perfect blend for the presidential job.
He added:“Age will not be an issue. I am like a bridge between the young and the old. People have asked me why I ran round the stadium, I was checking to see how fit I am, so I had to run round the stadium to confirm to myself that I’m strong enough to carry the problems of the country, whether it is mentally or physically, because you need both mental capacity and physical fitness to manage this country. You have to be physically strong and have the mental capacity to make decisions on behalf of the country
“I promise you, that if given the opportunity to govern this country, both the rich and the poor will have a space, because I come from the two sides. There were times I was timing my friends to know when there’s food at home. I’m not ashamed to say it. Those friends who didn’t even know they were feeding me, are still my friends today.
” So I’ve also known what it is to be on the other side of the divide. So if given this opportunity, we’ll give opportunity to most Nigerians to see how they can climb the ladder and be as important as they wish. And how did I get it? I prayed, but I also studied. It’s time to look at our education system, it’s time to look at our electricity, its time to look at our industrial system, everything that provides opportunity to everybody to pursue their economic realities. We’ll look at it and face it.
“We also ought to thank the President. One of the key things the president has done is his contribution to Transportation. I’m sure some of you have used our railway, I’m sure some of you have passed through the terminal at Ebute-metta, I’m sure some of you felt proud to be called Nigerians. We are replicating all that across the country, we’re continuing the pursuit of the railways all over the country,” Amaechi said.
Earlier,Ooni of Ife, has hailed the leadership qualities of Amaechi, and prayed for God’s guidance and blessings upon him as he seeks the highest office in Nigeria.
He said:“With the roll out of your resume, how many of you like that in Nigeria? Very few. For the last 23 years of this Republic, you have been relevant. Power belongs to God, it’s not by your might, it’s not by your power, nor by your doing. In terms of leadership, it is God that gives power, and if you look at your history, for the last 23 years, you have actually gone through the rank and file. You are not the only one in this country, but God has actually found in you favour, and by the very special grace of God, have the interest of this country at heart. It is very important. I know you are a fervent and hard believer of God Almighty, anything you do, you pray to God. Don’t relent, do not relent, keep praying to God.
“Leadership is stewardship. You’ve been to different leadership positions from different strata. In terms of governance, you’ve seen it all. But the one that you’re trying to aspire now, by the very special grace of God, it’s God that will take you there. We are paying for you from the throne of Oduduwa. On this throne of our ancestors God will continue to guide you, God will continue to see you through, God will continue to favour you, honour you and put you through in everything you do. God will continue to honour you in your words, in your thoughts, in your actions.
“Everything you lay your hand upon will continue to prosper. God will guide you, guard you and see you through. You will never regret why you came out to show selfless service for this country. God will guide you right. Please remember this country for good, remember the goodness that can come out of this country, remember that you will continue to serve for good, not for your own interests”
“By virtue of how God has shown you mercy, give mercy back to the public, show mercy back to Nigerians. You have to be selfless, give your best, even if its going to cost you everything that you are, keep doing what you’re supposed to do”