PH – MAIDUGURI RAILWAY PROJECT

PH – MAIDUGURI RAILWAY PROJECT:

SOUTH-SOUTH APC APPLAUDS AMAECHI, CCECC AND NRC, FOR COMPLETION OF TRACK LAYING MILESTONE ON EASTERN CORRIDOR

As reactions begin to trail the online publication by Chinese construction giant, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), announcing its succesful completion of track laying for the Port Harcourt – Aba section of the Eastern railway corridor, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. David Okumgba, has hailed a former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for initiating the landmark project during the administration of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

The image-maker of the party whilst wandering through memory lane, reflected on how the former minister was vilified for the presumed late takeoff of the project and noted that his deep display of equanimity, resilence and foresightedness in resolving to stay on with the project against all odds, have eventually vindicated him.

“Completion of the track laying is a major milestone in railway construction and I must confess that I am very excited with this development, as regards the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern railway corridor.

“This is on the heels of the hue and cry that was generated before, during and after the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in March 2021, including the paucity of funds encountered on the path to this sucesss story, we now hear today.

“Since anything built on a shaky foundation cannot stand, commendation must be laid at the of the immediate past minister of transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for facilitating the design and prompt groundbreaking of this landmark project, as well as, ensuring proper logistics for its execution were provided while in office.

“I recall that Amaechi was vilified and variously abused for his stance on embarking on this sustainable project, as at the time of its takeoff in 2021. Some detractors even termed it a “white elephant project” but the reality on ground today, is that Amaechi has been vindicated,” Okumgba stated.

Also showering encomiums on the construction company (CCECC) and the supervising agency, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), for their show of professionalism across the different phases of achieving the milestone, Okumgba said, “CCECC noted for her excellence in construction sector of our economy has done very well. The detailed execution of the design plan is worthy of my praise. Also, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has also shown impressive capacity and finesse in supervising and providing the requirements for attainment of this milestone. I thank them for their efforts.”

David Okumgba expressed hope that the Federal Government will build on the achievements and vigorously pursue the timely completion of all segments of the railway project for the economic prosperity of Nigeria.