Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged Governor Babagana Zulum and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State to vote for former Transportation Minister, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to emerge as the party’s flag-bearer for the 2023 presidential election.
Buratai, who is Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said Amaechi is one Nigerian that can change things for good in the country, if given the opportunity to serve as the president.
The former Army Chief spoke at a consultative meeting between Amaechi, Governor Babagana Zulum, leaders and delegates of the APC in Maiduguri, Borno State on Sunday.
Buratai narrated how Amaechi, as governor of Rivers State, succeeded in curbing militancy, kidnapping and others forms of criminality, restoring sanity to the state within few months of assuming office.
The former COAS, who was then Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army in Rivers State, said he saw in Amaechi the resilience and determination to do things right.
He, therefore, urged Governor Zulum and the APC delegates from the state to give Amaechi their votes and see for themselves the change that will occur when he gets the ticket and eventually becomes president.
He said: “Your Excellency, we will not share any votes. Give 100 per cent of your votes to Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and I will tell you the reasons why.
“Here with us is the man of the moment who is ready to serve, and has shown the determination in his exploits and his experience over the years, as Speaker, as a governor and as minister.
“He has led his peers governors twice. He has also led his colleagues in parliament as Chairman, Conference of Speakers twice.
“He has that experience and very importantly he has remained loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari. On two occasions in 2015 and 2019, as campaign Director General, he delivered President Muhammadu Buhari.
“‘You know the history of Borno: we have always gone along with the winning team. Do not follow any other person apart from Amaechi who is here. We must align ourselves with Amaechi. We must be with the man of the moment.”
On his part, Amaechi reiterated that, of all the aspirants gunning for the position of the president in the 2023 elections, he is the better candidate.
Amaechi advised APC delegates to put their conscience first and vote a candidate that is true to his word, a true Nigerian candidate, adding that he is that true Nigerian candidate who is detribalised and is known to perform in whatever task he takes on.
Amaechi, who also visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, said: “one of the reasons why you have high level of insecurity is the fact that our past leaders had visited us with poverty.
“Politicians will be chasing you with money, but when you step out on that day (of the primary election), carry your conscience in your hand.
“Vote for me, because when you vote for me, you have transferred that responsibility, to partner with others to change the country. Trust me. Don’t share the votes. Step out that day, vote for me and see the difference I will make.
“As Minister for Transportation, we started the rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, go and verify, they are working, go and check.
“We don’t have the loan yet, but the little money we have I said ‘go and start work.’ I heard there is oil around Borno, if I’m made the president, I will look for that oil.”
Responding, Governor Babagana Zulum said: “To me, power belongs to God. It is my prayer that Nigeria should get a good president.
“My prayer is for Almighty Allah to give us a good candidate that can take this nation to a greater height; a candidate that can deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Nigeria.”
Zulum said Amaechi’s advice to delegates to vote with conscience is very important and “the people of Borno State will use their conscience to vote for a candidate that deserves to be voted for.”
He however added: “President Muhammadu Buhari is also very important in this political equation. We are still waiting for him to say what he wants us to do.”
