Buhari’s Stance On Lagos-Calabar Rail Mark Of Patriotism, Good Intentions For South-South – Ex-Minister

A former Minister of Lands, Housing and Rural Development, Chief Nduese Essien, on Monday praised President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the infrastructural partnership with China. The former minister, who made the commendation in an interview in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, described the president’s recent trip to China as a huge success. According to Essien, the trip was very timely, considering its significance to Nigeria, especially as regards the proposed Lagos-Calabar Rail Project. “Though the project was initiated by former President (Goodluck) Jonathan, its inclusion in the 2016 appropriation bill is a mark of patriotism and good intentions for the people of the South-South. “It would have been disastrous if the Lagos-Calabar rail project was expunged from the 2016 proposed budget – the President having secured a bilateral economic agreement with China on rail projects in Nigeria”, he said. The former two-term member of the National Assembly, also reserved commendations for the South-South legislators for their positive stance on the rail project, which has been one of the areas of contention between the Executive and Legislature. Mr. Essien, however, called on members of the National Assembly not to play politics with the vital coastal rail project, saying the overall developmental interest of the country was paramount. “National interest must come first before partisan affiliation. We must endeavour to collectively join hands in moving this country forward, irrespective of our political differences”, he said.