Ibe Kachikwu and Rotimi Amaechi Slug it out over Okerenkeko Maritime University

Ibe Kachikwu and Rotimi Amaechi Slug it out over Okerenkeko Maritime University

Yesterday, at the Federal Government town hall meeting in Akwa Ibom State, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, explained why the building of the Maritime University in Okerenkeko, Delta State would not be possible.

Here’s what Amaechi said:

“Okerenkeko, I am not against. I hope you people appreciate it very well. My argument against Okerenkoko is that the land alone is N13 billion. If you give me N13 billion I will buy half of Lagos. That N13 billion has built the university already. So, no need to spend more money.

What to do? Let EFCC retrieve the money from them and then release them and we would build the University.

I believe that the Federal government has no money to continue. When we have money we would continue.

The Minister of State for Petroleum has whispered to me that he would look for the money to continue. Minister, bring it to me and I will continue.”

But the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, did not agree with Amaechi’s position. Here’s what he said:

“On Okerenkeko, I disagree with the Minister for transport.

Any facility that is placed in the south south, we should work towards developing it. I don’t care the circumstances under which we they were placed.

It is not my position to determine whether land was valued at N19 10 million of N3 million. The appropriate institutions which have cost systems will determine that. That has nothing to do with the development of the infrastructure.

As far as I know, so much has already gone into that property. So much fiscal assets have being developed. We are not going to throw the baby with the bath water. We will deal with the issues but the University will be developed. If he doesn’t want it in maritime, I will take it to petroleum.”

Watch the clip:

And what do Nigerians think of the debate? See the reactions on Twitter:

Kachikwu may have been wrong to embarrass Amaechi openly.. He could have said “Minister of Transport & I will iron out some issues”.

— Nnayelugo (@Eloka51) June 14, 2016

Don’t you think like everyone else, Kachikwu is fed up with Rotimi Amaechi’s antics? https://t.co/qEbMArXWZd

— Victor (@vessien) June 14, 2016

Rotimi Amaechi lack finesse… He talks like he’s at a family meeting. That’s always been my biggest gripe with the fellow.

— T. Rankïn’ (@AfroVII) June 14, 2016

Can someone advice these Nigerian politicians to stop heating up the polity,for goodness sake rotimi amaechi should never have said that.

— obum unegbu (@obumunegbu) June 14, 2016

I just watched this video. Why didn’t anybody tell me Kachikwu gave Amaechi a TKO yesterday? https://t.co/AdyYOnMMHg

— Nubari Saatah (@Saatah) June 14, 2016

Rotimi Amaechi should bury his head in shame. He is a disaster, I wonder why Buhari is still keeping him. https://t.co/3ntHgzjYkL

— Omadi (@iamtenseven) June 14, 2016

Rotimi Amaechi should be moved to a nondescript desk like ‘Special Duties’ Excessively magniloquent,deficient in substance….

— Adekunle Adefioye (@kunleadefioye) June 14, 2016

Rotimi Amaechi is increasing earning a notorious reputation as a man that has utter disregard for the wishes of his people.

— Emeka Nnadozie (@mekusey) June 14, 2016