- Burna Boy’s Police Escorts Shoot Married Man After Singer Made Pass At Wife - June 12, 2022
- I’m Ashamed Of Ohanaeze, No Longer Believe In Body – Umahi Attacks Obiozor - June 12, 2022
- June 12: President Buhari’s Democracy Day Speech - June 12, 2022
The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirants shot up by one yesterday after Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi formally declared his interest in the race.
He is expected to be followed any moment from now by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who, sources said yesterday, has concluded consultations on his own aspiration.
Amaechi’s declaration immediately sparked a fresh controversy over Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires anyone holding a political office – minister, commissioner, special adviser and others – to relinquish such to be eligible to participate in the electoral process either as a candidate or as a delegate.”
President Muhammadu Buhari is opposed to the provision, citing what he called its contravention of the 1999 Constitution. He has, consequently, asked the National Assembly to expunge it from the Act.
A Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia has also declared the provision null and void and asked the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN) to delete it forthwith.
The National Assembly has appealed against the ruling.
Amaechi, speaking at a special thanksgiving service organised by the Rivers State Chapter of the APC at Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium, Igwuurita-Ali in the state, said his decision was borne out of concern for suffering Nigerians.
Read Also: 2023: Oshiomhole Declares For Senate
He said having served as Speaker of the State House of Assembly for eight years, governor for another eight years and minister for seven years, “my years of experience has equipped me well.”
He said he was also “compelled by the urgency of our present challenges to place my experience and proven capacity at the service of the nation at the highest level.”
He said: “We are facing some very serious challenges as a country. These are problems of insecurity, challenges of greater accountability in governance, youth unemployment and scourge of spiral poverty.
“These problems are however not the exclusive preserve of Nigerians. We live in a troubled world; the reality we use to know has altered in nearly every nation.”
Amaechi said he would serve Nigerians as a servant and not a master, adding that he would be President to all Nigerians if elected into office.
He then jogged round the stadium to prove his physical fitness for the job.
At the declaration ceremony were Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, former national chairman of the APC Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Ali Ndume, among others.
Amaechi had late last month said on Arise Television that he had no interest in the presidential race.
He said groups and individuals urging him on to join the race should rather give him the money for nomination forms.
Source: Nation
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.