The Chinese Embassy has denied backing the presidential ambition of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
The Embassy in Abuja released a report stating that allegations of its support of the ambition of the presidential aspirant were fabricated.
Some news had been circulating that the Chinese was backing Amaechi. However, the embassy asked Nigerians to disregard such reports.
A statement by the Embassy reads partly: “The attention of the Embassy of China has been drawn to a misleading report on an online news portal, alleging that Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Minister of Transport of Nigeria and one of the aspirants to the 2023 Presidential Election, “has secured the backing of the Chinese Government”, and “…several meetings were held between Amaechi’s allies and the Chinese Government”, even claiming that ‘China needs to … install its dominance in Africa.’
“The general public is kindly reminded to ignore it and keep vigilant on this kind of fake news, which is fabricated with ulterior motives.
“With respect to Nigeria’s democratic political system, we are confident on the capacity of the Nigerian Government and people of organizing and conducting a successful general election.”
Why I ran round stadium during presidential declaration – Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed why he ran round the Port Harcourt stadium in Rivers State during his official declaration as a presidential aspirant for 2023 elections.
The former Rivers State Governor opened up in Ile-Ife, Osun state, during a visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as part of consultation on his 2023 presidential ambition.
Amaechi noted that he ran round the stadium to check how fit he was to “carry the problems of the country”, Daily Post reported.
“Age will not be an issue. I am like a bridge between the young and the old,” Amaechi said.
He added, “People have asked me why I ran round the stadium. I was checking to see how fit I am, so I had to run round the stadium to confirm to myself that I’m strong enough to carry the problems of the country, whether it is mentally or physically.
“Because you need both mental capacity and physical fitness to manage this country.
“You have to be physically strong and have the mental capacity to make decisions on behalf of the country.”
Amaechi also stated that he was the most qualified to succeed the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in 2023.
In his response, Oba Ogunwusi said to Amaechi, “You have been relevant since the start of this republic, it is for a reason and I urge you to use that grace for the betterment of all Nigerians.”
Amaechi had on April 9 declared his interest to run for Presidency at a thanksgiving service organised by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress.
Rotimi Amaechi
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Minister of Transportation in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari. He previously served in oil-rich Rivers State as Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007.
I’m most qualified to rule Nigeria now — Amaechi
The Minister for Transportation and Presidential Aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday, declared himself the most qualified person to rule Nigeria.
He made this declaration while he was on a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniyan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on his aspiration to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amaechi described himself as the bridge between the young and old generations in the country adding that he decided to start his consultation and visitation from Ile-Ife because the ancient city is the source.
Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State, lauded the Ooni for preserving and upholding the prestigious Yoruba culture, and explained that governance of the country has a lot to benefit from the traditional institution.
“If elected as Nigeria’s president in 2023, I will sit down with the National Assembly to address the relevance of the traditional institution in Nigeria. There is a need to consult our traditional rulers in order to bring governance closer to the people.