Headlines
Niger Delta group asks Amaechi to resign as Transportation Minister

Eyewitness reporter
Following his declaration to contest for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 elections, the Niger Delta Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group (Niger Delta TAG), has asked the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to immediately resign as the country’s Minister of Transportation. Recall that Amaechi on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, expressed interest to contest the presidential election.
During the event which was tagged as a thanksgiving ceremony by its organisers, Amaechi had declared “I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next president,” The event was organised by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group, Chief Julius Godspower, said while it is within Amaechi’s rights to seek election into the highest office in the country, it is “immoral, illegal and unethical” for him to remain in office as a Minister and a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet while chasing his political ambition. “The Minister placed the cart before the horse. The proper thing to do would have been to first resign, before declaring his presidential ambition. “It is rather unfortunate that due process is not followed by the Minister and I hope President Muhammadu Buhari will direct him to step down immediately.
“Be that as it may, the proper thing to do now is for him to immediately resign to pursue his dream. ” Remaining in office as Minister while pursuing his presidential ambition will be a huge distraction to government.
.”The transport sector is in a very bad state, and it is bound to suffer more with a presidential aspirant as Minister.
“Also, the situation creates a clear conflict of interest for the Minister. How are we sure contractors and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Transportation will not be cajoled or compelled to support his presidential bid one way or the other? “Aside being immoral and unethical with the attendant conflict of interest, it is also illegal for him to pursue the presidential bid whilst still serving as Minister. “His ambition could create a huge legal problem for the ruling party considering that Section 84(12) of the new Electoral Act does not allow serving political appointees to vote or be voted during party primaries.
“Don’t forget that Section 84(12) of the new Electoral Act is still a matter of litigation and could create a major dilemma for the ruling party if Amaechi fights for the party ticket whilst holding on to the office of Minister. ” It is, therefore, better for him to resign immediately so as not to jeopardize the chances of the ruling party in the 2023 presidential election,” Godspower noted.
|
|
Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
Customs
Agricultural produce tops exports of 11,459 containers worth $986.4m through Apapa port in three months

Headlines
Stakeholders caution Nigeria over currency swap deal with China

-
Headlines3 months ago
UNODC seeks strategic partnership with EFCC
-
Customs3 months ago
Onyeka, Tin Can CAC, set to pursue revenue generation aggressively
-
Headlines3 months ago
Tinubu appoints Opeifa as MD, Nigeria Railway Corporation
-
Customs3 months ago
Nigeria Customs seeks stakeholders’ support as it launches AOE programme in February
-
Headlines3 months ago
EFCC discovers Yahoo training school in Benin city
-
Headlines2 months ago
Ubong Essien lectures real estate industry operators on opportunities in blue economy