Rotimi Amaechi, single handedly split the ruling PDP and ensured victory for President Buhari in the last general elections. However, his unalloyed support for President Buhari has become an impediment in his quest for a ministerial slot.
Huhuonline.com checks reveals that the refusal to screen Romiti Amaechi is payback for his refusal to back Bukola Saraki, during his bid to secure the Senate Presidency.
Sources who did not want to be named informed our correspondent that Bukola Saraki approached Ameachi for support, but Ameachi told him to respect the wish of the party.
Amaechi informed Bukola that he did not fight PDP because he was looking for a position. Irked by Amaechi stance, Saraki approached the PDP for assitance and eventually emerged as Senate President to the consternation of APC leaders, who had expressed their anger both privately and publicly.
Now backed by the PDP, Saraki is determined to stop Amaechi from being screened.The Senate resumed sitting on Tuesday and for the third time in two weeks, postponed the screening of the former governor as his name was not listed among the three nominees slated to appear before the senators for the exercise.
Our checks show that Ameachi was number three on the list of eight nominees billed for screening on Tuesday based on the order paper earlier produced by the senate before it was withdrawn.
The three nominees shortlisted for the exercise are Mr. Adebayo Shittu (Oyo), Omoleye Daramola (Ondo) and Khadija Abba-Ibrahim (Yobe).
Meanwhile the initial list released before plenary contains the following names in this order: Adebayo Shittu (Oyo); Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Khadija Abba-Ibrahim (Yobe); Bawa Bwari (Niger); Ocholi james (Kogi); Mansur Muhammed (Zamfara); and Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna)
The Senate screened ministerial nominees from Oyo and Yobe states, Mr Adebayo Shittu and Mrs Khadija Abba Ibrahim.
Shittu, the nominee from Oyo State took a bow and left after he had answered several questions from the senators. He dismissed the thought that he was a religious bigot, pointing out that he has never been indicted by any panel of inquiry for religious prejudice. He also pointed out that he has long-standing cordial relationship with Christians. Shittu, who was once a legislator, commissioner and Attorney-General in Oyo State, noted that his personality did not hamper his past political successes.
However, the nominee held that religious education should be made compulsory in schools in order to uphold a high moral standard in the country.
Answering questions on the possibility of being put in charge of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Shittu said that he would ensure that grassroots sports is developed to the maximum as this remained the best way to develop the sector.
Abba Ibrahim’s screening, took no time as she was asked to take a bow and leave after a theatrical exchange of banters among the senators, one of whom is the nominee’s husband, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, petitions were submitted against the nominee from Imo State, Prof Anwuka Gozie by a senator representing Imo North, Nneji Achonu.
Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the petitions to the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee. He directed the committee to submit reports of its finding on Thursday.
However, the ruling APC, has stood firmly with Amaechi, the party on its Twitter handle, said, « Dear Amaechi, Buhari’s victory was postponed too. It’s a sign you’ll triumph like your boss! Congrats in advance!!!”
