New Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday said he is not a thief, won’t steal public funds and won’t spare any civil servant under his ministry who steals.
Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi also pledged to complete all ongoing rail projects around the country and extend rail lines to all parts of the country.
He made the statement during his first day in office as minister shortly after his inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that he would resume work fully on Nov. 17 when the new Permanent Secretary, Mr Sabiu Zakari, would equally assume duty at the ministry.
The minister added that his meeting with the Permanent Secretary and the Directors on Nov. 17 would begin by looking at the budget and its level of implementation.
According to him, the meeting is necessary to chart a new course toward completing all ongoing projects, especially the rail and extending it to different part of the country.
He promised to ensure a smooth working relationship with the Minister of State for Aviation for the development of the sector as well as meeting the expectations of Nigerians.
The minister also urged the staff to always play by rule, adding that “I belief in principles of discharging my duties.”
“We are interested in completing all ongoing rail projects around the country because we don’t want to disappoint Nigerians.
“It is important that we realise that we have a mandate to deliver on our promises and there is competition among the ministers to deliver and we don’t want to take last.
Amaechi also emphasised on the issue of corruption, warning that anybody that would work with him must not approach him for money.
“I am not as bad as people from the outside say I am. I only engage based on principles. I neither take nor give bribes. If you want to relate with me, don’t give me money. I will also not give you money. I don’t want to go to jail so I won’t steal. But I won’t spare thieves,” he told the ministry staff.
He spoke when he assumed duty as minister and was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, directors and other staff.
The minister said he would not tolerate laxity from staff even as he is open to ideas and initiatives from the staff. Also present was the Minister of State for Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika and CEOs of agencies in the ministry.
Credits: The Nation, Daily Trust Skytrend News
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