Written BY Melody Nkweke-Amos
On the month of May, 27 1965, a child was born and was named Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. A graduate of English and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt was born without a silver spoon rather he created one for himself. I do not wish to discuss how his political strides started rather the man we know as Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (CON).
Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi (Hon. Min. of Transport)
CRA is a household name with an International figure of repute and a recipient of the prestigious National Award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), an Associate Fellow of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a Honorary Doctor of Philosophy, a Knight among others.
He remains one man while serving as Governor touched all the sectors of the economy such as;
1. Health
2. Agriculture
3. Culture and Tourism
4. Employment and Empowerment
5. Education
6. Urban and Rural Development
7. Transportation etc…
He went as far as providing scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students abroad with regular stipends.
CRA is a man who believes in the distribution of power thus extending free hand for all political appointees to man the affairs of the offices they occupy but with strict supervision for effective performance.
Although no man is without flaws but he has proven that leadership is not a simple matter of shouting or having deep and booming voice but the ability to listen, build strong relationship with your team and not being an expert in everything.
From his years of service, I gathered that leadership can equally be learned, though it’s not a prerequisite for becoming a leader.
But most importantly, the dedication to the art of leadership which involves understanding how to inspire, influence and control how people behave.
Despite the hates from many which led to many character assassinations and a wide spread of Vituperative articles, attacks and commentaries. But all that could not take away who and what he stands for, rather it made him strong, more powerful and influential with greater responsibilities.
His romance with President Muhammadu Buhari has earned him the title of Mr. Fixer and Mr. Railway. Such a man does not need to boast of his achievements rather those achievements should boast of him.
He has remained the best Governor after Peter Odili, I doubt if that benchmark can be countered by anyone in the nearest future.
CRA has never stopped acknowledging the fact that Odili and Chief Ada George were his mentors despite his political affiliations, and has sworn to never speak ill of them no matter the situation.
Indeed CRA has a living conscience. His projects were felt across the 23 LGA’s in the state. He never played politics with Human Capital Development as no matter what a leader does today while in office without the full implementation of Human Capital Development, such a leader is a failure.
CRA will remain a mentor and a father to many. He is a blessed and fullied man. He has totally transformed the Nigerian Railway System and we are proud of him.
Congratulation and Happy Birthday your Excellencey.
