Saraki takes over transportation portfolio as Amaechi bows out to seek Nigeria presidency

BY MIKE OCHONMA

Gbemisola Saraki, minister of state for transportation, is taking full charge of the ministry following the formal resignation of Rotimi Amaechi, the minister, to pursue his ambition of becoming the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

In a statement issued by Amaechi Presidential Media Committee (APMC) in Abuja, Amaechi in his resignation letter, expressed profound gratitude to the President for considering him fit to serve in his administration.

He equally thanked Buhari for the enormous support given to him, which he said, was responsible for the tremendous record of achievements he made in the Ministry of Transportation over the last seven years.

The statement quoted Amaechi as saying in his resignation letter: “It is with mixed feelings that I tender my resignation as the Minister of Transportation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to contest for the Presidential ticket of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.

“Your Excellency, it has been a great honour and privilege serving as a member of your cabinet following your historic victory at the polls in 2015. Under your administration, the Ministry of Transportation has recorded significant achievements, made possible by your visionary support and commitment to ensuring that we deliver on our mandate.

“As I embark on the next phase of our mission to work towards a better Nigeria for all Nigerians, I humbly seek Your Excellency’s prayers, blessings and look towards your continuous support and guidance.

“Your Excellency, whilst humbly seeking your kind consideration of my request please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”

Gbemi Saraki, who studied Economics at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, is an experienced politician, having been a member of the House of Representatives, as well as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.