A former Minister of Lands, Housing and Rural Development, Chief Nduese Essien, on Monday commended President Mohammadu Buhari for signing the infrastructural partnership with China.
Essien, who made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom, described Buhari’s recent trip to China as a huge success.
He said 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.
Essien, a two-term member of the National Assembly, also commended the South-South legislators at the National Assembly for their positive stance on the Lagos-Calabar Rail Project.
He, however, called on members of the 8th National Assembly not to play politics with the Lagos-Calabar 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. (NAN)