Former President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the virtues of former Transportation Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a “golden fish” and a critical asset to his administration as he clocks 60.
In a heartfelt message issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari congratulated the former Rivers State governor and two-term minister, applauding his transformative impact on Nigeria’s transportation sector—particularly in reviving the country’s moribund railways.
“Amaechi shared with me the aspiration of strengthening infrastructure, bridging the nation’s long-delayed gaps through the railways,” Buhari said.
“The railway system, which used to be the heartbeat of several towns and cities, killed and buried for decades, opened a new chapter under his leadership.”
Buhari noted that under Amaechi’s watch, abandoned rail projects were revived and completed, while new routes were launched to boost economic activities and ease mobility for millions of Nigerians.
He credited the former minister with initiating key infrastructure projects that significantly expanded Nigeria’s rail network, improved safety, introduced new services, and increased capacity for passenger and freight movement.
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“He faithfully served millions of Nigerians… helping to address demand, introducing new services and rolling stock, and improving safety,” the former president stated.
Buhari, who appointed Amaechi in 2015 and retained him throughout his administration, described his former minister as an “invaluable asset” whose tenure brought a new era of infrastructure renewal.
He concluded his tribute with warm wishes:
“I wish him and his family many happy years ahead.”
Amaechi, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, and later as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023. He was a frontline aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2022 presidential primaries.
The goodwill message from Buhari comes as dignitaries across the country continue to celebrate the milestone 60th birthday of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable political heavyweights.