Aviation Minister Denies Rift With Amaechi

Amaechi-SirikaThe Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has denied the existence of a frosty relationship between him and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

SEE ALSO: Minister Claims There’s No Money To Run The Government 
Sirika blamed mischief makers and unidentified social media users for the rumour. Reports were rife in the social media during the week that both ministers nearly engaged in fisticuffs save for the quick intervention some civil servants and aides who were reportedly at the scene of the disagreement.

The development reportedly led to the removal of Sirika’s portraits from the walls at the nation’s airports and buildings of agencies under Aviation.
According to social media reports, the source of the disagreement was attributed to acts of insubordination by the junior minister. Sirika is reportedly uncomfortable with Amaechi (a senior minister and direct boss) pushing him around but the former Rivers state governor is on the other hand, not turning a blind eye to the former Katsina senator’s antics and responded by putting him in his place.
The junior minister, however, dismissed the report in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with Journalists.
According to him: “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.
Responding to the question when his pictures would go back to being hung on walls, Mr. Sirika said “when I have worked!”
According to him, “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”.