…my picture should not be the issue-Sirika
The ongoing war of attrition between Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi
and Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, is hurting the
activities of the Ministry of Transport, Pointblanknews.com investigation
has revealed.
The two ministers came close to exchanging blows Monday over the placement
of their portraits at the nation’s airports.
The development has led to a loss of focus and lack of coordination in the
ministry.
This was observed in recent summits held by the ministry where Amaechi was
holding a maritime summit in Lagos while Sirika was chairing an aviation
workshop in Abuja.
The seats of both ministers were vacant at both events.
Further Checks showed that Amaechi was miffed at certain acts of
insubordination displayed by the minister of state and the impression of a
competitive atmosphere between the two ministers prompting Amaechi to
order the removal of Sirika’s portraits at the airports and other
strategic facilities under aviation.
Sirika is also believed to harbour the disposition that having come from
Katsina State, where President Buhari hails, he should not be pushed
around or take orders from Amaechi.
Workers in the ministry are shocked at the embarrassing altercation
between the two ministers.
“It is a shame. Both ministers are embarrassing themselves publicly. It is
a mess. And President Buhari on his part has been silent over this issue.
He should call them to order immediately. The aviation and transport
sectors are very key sectors of our economy. We can’t continue to have two
adults who should know better fighting over the pettiness of who is in
charge or control of what. When two elephants fight, unfortunately, it is
the ground that suffers. Nigerians are the ones who will bear the brunt
over this unnecessary squabble,” a senior official of the ministry said.
Reacting to the development yesterday, Minister of State for Aviation,
Hadi Sirika, said his concern was the development of the aviation sector.
“The social media said that I and the Minister are fighting but that is
not true. The fact that there are no pictures of me at airports, offices
and agencies under aviation is based on my personal choice.
“I believe that my photo will not give Nigerians anything, rather, it is
my actions that will. I don’t need my pictures on walls, they were there
before but I ordered that they be removed. Photo will not give us good
airports and runways, rather good governance and that is my challenge and
target.
“Having pictures everywhere as far as I am concerned is very trivial,
unnecessary and it is not my style”, he said.
“My pictures should be put on walls when I have worked. Having my
pictures on walls is not the major reason why I was appointed to serve,
my dream is to change the industry for better and when that is done, then
my pictures can be put everywhere”, he said.
The presidency is yet to react to the altercation.