Eze Defends Amaechi, Clarifies Misconceptions About Eastern Rail Project

Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze says those holding the argument that former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi abandoned the eastern railway corridor project, are mischief makers, deliberately feigning ignorance.

In a statement made available to the media, Chief Eze attempting to correct the erroneous insinuation is some quarters that Amaechi abandoned the Eastern Rail Project said in 2021, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Transportation under the headship of former Rivers Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, gave a $3 billion contract for the expansion of the country’s Eastern Railway, linking Port Harcourt with Maiduguri.

According to him, a major part of contract term include the restoration and renovation of the railway network between Port Harcourt and Maiduguri in northern part Nigeria.

He said the eastern railway network connects various cities in Nigeria’s eastern area, passing through 12 states. The project include the building of additional branch tracks in addition to the growth of the current eastern railway.

China Railway Construction Corporation’s subsidiary China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation was granted the contract for the project which has the potential speeding up Nigeria’s industrialization and urbanization by boosting resource development and employment along with the network.

Eze said the completion of track laying from Port Harcourt to Aba is a major milestone in the project which spans east to north.

The train project is designed to enhance regional trade and help Nigeria reestablish itself with a good rail network in West Africa.

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For avoidance of doubt, Eze highlighted that in tandem with the vision of Amaechi coupled with the foundation and ground work he put in place for completion of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Rail Project the incumbent Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali by November, 2023 reassured Nigerians that the Port-Harcourt -Maiduguri rail project will be completed accordingly.

According to the statement signed by the Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to the minister, Jamilu Ja’afaru, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has vowed to ensure the completion and full operation of the PortHarcourt-Maiduguri rail network soon.

The statement further explained that upon completion of the rail line, Nigerians would enjoy good trade, access market, and business places easily, and also boost agricultural production and its movement.

The statement highlighted that Akali expressed his resolve to ensure that the rail project is not only completed on time but also meets the highest international standards.

With this milestone development, Amaechi have rubbished the erroneous insinuation in some quarters that he abandoned the Eastern Rail Project as all things being equal this project will be achieved in our life time courtesy of this visionary Leader.

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