Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy, has fired back at former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, following his recent public appearance where he criticized her. Amaechi accused her of spreading false information in her book and alleged that she awarded a N2.8 billion contract.
Usman’s response to Amaechi’s allegations:
“Rotimi Amaechi should mature and cease these baseless allegations. His recent claims in the media, filled with falsehoods, are hardly surprising given his long history of bending the truth to suit his agenda.
Amaechi’s allegations mostly align with what I openly shared in my book, ‘Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority,’ which has been available since April 2023. His N2.8 billion contract accusation appears to be fabricated, as it was not part of the infractions conveyed in the query I received.
Amaechi also misrepresented the details of other queries, including those related to waivers and a supplemental agreement. All the information he claims to possess can be found in the book I published.
He mentioned ten counts of indictments, which I’m not aware of, as no such counts were communicated to me. However, I wonder if these counts include the non-remittance of N165 billion operating surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which prompted my “stepping aside.” Oddly, this significant allegation was not part of the official query from the Ministry.
Amaechi’s reluctance to share the panel report and his self-serving protection of certain individuals suggests an abuse of power. This report is not his personal possession, and its content should be accessible to all parties implicated.
Amaechi’s obsession with whether I gave him a birthday gift is trivial. His sense of entitlement is misplaced. It is a relief to see him back in public life after his failed presidential bid, but he should not use me as a tool for his resurgence. When he shares his perspective on my tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, he should stick to facts and avoid spreading falsehoods.”
In her response, Usman has refuted Amaechi’s claims, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy in public discourse.
Leave a Reply