Reactions As Amaechi Calls Out Colleagues Over Kaduna Train Attack

Nigerians have reacted to the comments made by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over the attack on the Kaduna-bound train by bandit terrorists.

On Tuesday, the minister during a visit to the scene of the incident in Kaduna said the attack could have been averted if necessary digital security equipment were provided.

He said his colleagues during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting denied the request for the procurement of the necessary digital security and crime prevention equipment for the rail lines.

Amaechi said that he warned about possible attacks on the infrastructure which necessitated his request for the equipment which cost N3 billion.

The minister said that the renovation of the train tracks, locomotives and coaches will cost more than the initial fund required.

Nigerians have taken to social media to share their thoughts regarding the comments made by the minister.

See some of the reactions below:

@DanielRegha wrote: “Amaechi should’ve listed the names of his supposed “colleagues and people” that are stopping him from doing his job efficiently as the Minister of Transportation, so Nigerians can hold them accountable; He’s not doing anyone a favour by protecting them. Credibility matters a lot.”

@tope_femi wrote: “The cost of the lost equipment is more than N3bn. To fix it now will cost more than N3bn. I don’t believe Amaechi. All these are not concrete.”

@OyeyemiAmos33 said: “Who are the people not approving it? Then why are you just saying it now? Lastly show Nigerians the copy of the letter written, to acquire digital security equipment.”

@TheRealGulu wrote: “As far as he didn’t name names… he is just passing the blame to an unnamed government official or entity. Very petty attitude for a leader. As the minister, you can’t absolve yourself of the blame.”

@AdeoluSavage wrote: “Yes his colleagues are pained because they know what might go into his pockets if the 3,000,000,000 was approved and that wasn’t them. It’s just unfortunate that we have this set of leaders.”

@TundeTresh wrote: “My understanding of what he’s saying is simply that there are people in government who would rather see terrorists have their way than doing d needful.

“Isn’t that what we have been saying about d same government he chose to be in bed with. In essence, he knew b4 his appointment.”

@JWEZEE wrote: “Colleagues and people” he is the “Federal Minister of transport” he is the man in charge in that sector, therefore answerable to no one apart from the president, so who else would be stopping him apart from someone in a higher position than him?”

@THEPM001 wrote: “For a project of that scope, a detailed project cost must have been undertaken even before the project took off. Was part of the project expunged out of the bill that you now need new approvals for it?? You speak as an English lecturer Sir.”

@adaoraoma_ wrote: “How can a Minister of Transport say “he warned”, It’s even obvious he is more sympathetic about the 3 billion loss than lives lost. Stop telling us about how much to repair the damages… Do the necessary, Minister.”