TheCable

Nuhu Mohammadu Sanusi, Emir of Dutse, has endorsed Rotimi Amaechi, transportation minister, for president ahead of the 2023 elections.

Speaking when he hosted Amaechi at his palace in Dutse, Jigawa capital, on Tuesday, Sanusi described Amaechi as an honest man.

The emir said Amaechi possesses leadership qualities the country needs.

“He is an honest man, and whatever you say about him, you can not change the fact that he is an honest man. He is a confident person. Wherever you see him you know he is the meaning of total confidence,” he said.

“These are qualities of leadership. These are things that we need in a leader especially today, people who are confident, who can face realities and challenges. He is resilient. His resilience I will tell you also, if Amaechi wants to achieve something, by whatever means, he will find a way to get it done, because he is a communicator.

“This is why I have endorsed him. I have high regard for him and I have confidence in his executive capacity. He is fully competent, being a speaker twice. He is most qualified.”

The monarch said Amaechi provided a place for Muslims and Christians in Rivers when he was governor of the state.

“In Nigeria, we are always carried away by tribal, political and other issues but here’s a Nigerian that I know, and Amaechi is a true Nigerian who is detribalized,” he said.

“He provided a place for Muslims to worship in Rivers State which I understand were destroyed after he left, he endured all the humiliations targeted at making the Muslims feel unwanted in Port Harcourt, and I also know that God will reward him.

“I am sure he would do this better now if he becomes the President. With all the resources available, he would use it to fight insurgency and other vices that are affecting us, particularly here in the north. He is a bridge builder and he is a man who is always meeting people.

“About 16 years ago, this Council decided to adopt children from Rivers State, particularly from his local government area, Ikwerre, we adopted the 16 children, put them in school with my own children, most of them are graduates, some are married now, and when I told him, he was very grateful and I have high regard for him and I have confidence in his capabilities.”

Earlier, Amaechi said if elected president, insecurity would be a thing of the past.

“I have a lot of connection with Jigawa, therefore, I will not commence my activity, my search to seek the support of Nigerians to vote for me to be the President without coming to Jigawa to see you and the people of Jigawa State to support me,” he said.