Maritime Varsity: Michael Johnny Dares Amaechi, Says He’s Against Development of Niger Delta Region

By Francis Sadhere

Chairman, Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF), Chief Michael Johnny has dared the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi to carry out his proposal of scrapping the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko in Warri South Local Government Area, saying that Amaechi against the development of the Niger Delta region.

He said the reasons put forward by the Minister for the planned scrapping of the University do not hold water and implored President Buhari to ignore the Minister as far as the University was concerned.

Johnny who spoke to our correspondent in an interview in Warri said he had some scores to settle with Transportation Minister if he dares to carry out the planned scrapping of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko

Chief Johnny therefore, advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to be misled by the Minister in scrapping the Maritime University.

He said; “I have scores to settle with Hon Rotimi Amaechi should he go ahead with the scrapping of the University. Do not kill APC in Delta State; he should bring development to our people and not poverty.

“I am appealing to the President to develop Niger Delta now as we do not have any problem with the Federal Government. The President must not accept the selfish proposal of Hon Amaechi on the Maritime University. I have scores to settle with the Minister on the University.”

Describing his people as peace loving, Chief Johnny posited that the University would bring development faster to the riverine community, saying it was wrong for the Minister to ever thought of scrapping it.

While saying that the Maritime University had nothing to do with High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), Chief Johnny pointed out that it was for the betterment of the oil-rich Niger Delta region and not a personal project.

“We the people of Okerenkoko community are worried over the suggestion for the scrapping of the Maritime University by the Transportation Minister. We have committed so much for the establishment of the University as we know that it will bring development faster to our people”.

“The Maritime University is not a personal project of Tompolo who may not be in the good books of the Minister, the University is for the people and I am imploring President Buhari to ignore the Minister on his proposed scrapping of the University,” he added.