Two ministers, Kachikwu, Amaechi, in open disagreement over Maritime University

Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi and Minister for state for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu openly disagreed over the transfer of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state. The two politicians were arguing at the Federal government town hall meeting in Uyo.

Minister of transport said the university project was not possible. Meanwhile, when Kachikwu mounted the podium he said: “I disagree with the minister of transport. Any facility in the South-south, we should work towards developing it, I don't care the circumstance. It is not my business whether land was valued at 19 or 10 million.” 

“That has nothing to do with development of infrastructure. As far as I know, so much has already gone into that, so much fiscal asset has been developed. We are not going to throw away the baby and the bath water. “As far as it is about development in Niger Delta, I will pursue it, if Amaechi continues to refuse it as Maritime University; I will take it up as Petroleum University.” “On the issue of negotiations, again I disagree with him. There's no theatre in the world where conflicts are being resolved through battle. It doesn't matter who's right, who's wrong.”

Amaechi had earlier while briefing the Senate committee on Marine Transport proposed the cancellation of the school.