By Rotimi Amaechi
I am profoundly shocked with the news of the passing of my former boss, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigeria has lost a true statesman whose love for his country and its people has been evident over the years.
In the period I worked with him, I saw and felt his passion for a better Nigeria. He loved Nigeria deeply and believed in uplifting the poor.
He supported my projects as Minister of Transportation, like the modernisation of Nigeria’s railways, providing a more affordable and comfortable means of transportation accessible to both the rich and poor. From the Lagos-Ibadan railway, Warri-Itakpe, Port Harcourt-Aba, to the Kaduna to Kano railway, Kano to Maradi (in Niger Republic) and the completion of Abuja-Kaduna railway, among others, he stood with me, and true to his promise of revamping Nigeria’s railway system.
Former President Buhari also applauded and supported my initiative to provide an enduring solution to the insecurity that hitherto plagued Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea, through the Integrated Maritime Surveillance and Security Infrastructure also known as the Deep Blue Project. The implementation of this project has since brought about the removal of Nigeria from the list of countries designated as high-risk maritime nations by the International Maritime Bureau.
He was also in support of my dogged efforts in ensuring the commencement and completion of the Lekki deep seaport and other notable projects. I truly appreciate his love, believe and strides towards making Nigeria a better country and his selfless service to the country. He was a true Nigerian Statesman.
To his dear wife, Aisha, and his beloved children, we are with you in this period of mourning. May Allah grant him eternal rest.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,
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