Amid coalition to unseat Tinubu, Buhari hails Amaechi, calls ex-minister ‘golden fish’

Ex President, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, and Transport Minister for the two terms of his administration, on the attainment of the milestone of 60 years.

The former president described Governor Amaechi as a “golden fish”, who was an asset to his administration.

According to a statement signed by his former media aide, Garba Shehu on Wednesday, Buhari praised Amaechi as a vital asset capable of building the nation, adding that, “Amaechi shared with me the aspiration of strengthening infrastructure, bridging the nation’s long-delayed gaps through the railways, a vital component— leading to its revival from a comatose state; the completion of abandoned projects, turning them into major transit hubs; and initiating major ones across the country, some of which were driven to completion before he left office.

“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, faithfully serving millions of Nigerians by increasing network capacity for passenger and freight services, helping to address demand, introducing new services and rolling stock, and improving safety.

“Under him, the nation witnessed a new era of railway infrastructure. I wish him and his family many happy years ahead.”

The praise is coming as Amaechi is forming an alliance with the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El Rufa’i to unseat the APC-led president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.