PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, over comments he made about former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, during a recent television appearance.
Oshiomhole, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, accused Amaechi of shutting down the judiciary during his tenure as Rivers State Governor and questioned his management of the rail sector under the Buhari administration. He also claimed Amaechi did not contribute meaningfully to the APC’s 2015 electoral victory despite serving as Director-General of the party’s presidential campaign.
Responding in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Chief Eze said Oshiomhole’s remarks were “uncouth and unwarranted,” alleging that they stemmed from frustration within the ruling party over growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration. Eze described Amaechi as “one of Nigeria’s most impactful public servants,” insisting that his record in Rivers State and at the federal level remains verifiable.
He argued that Amaechi left office with infrastructure and governance achievements “widely acknowledged across sectors,” while alleging that Oshiomhole’s own tenure in Edo State was plagued by controversies relating to governance and project implementation. All claims were presented as allegations by Eze, who insisted they reflect public discourse around Oshiomhole’s time in office.
Eze further maintained that Amaechi’s reforms in the transport sector revived the country’s rail development master plan and laid the groundwork for projects being continued by the current administration. He said criticisms of Amaechi’s stewardship were “politically motivated and disconnected from the reality of his accomplishments.”
On the claim that Amaechi shut down the judiciary, Eze argued that the crisis in Rivers State at the time was triggered by political tensions involving state lawmakers, and insisted that Amaechi acted within the law to maintain order.
He also criticised Oshiomhole’s political trajectory, noting the former APC National Chairman’s removal at ward level in 2020, which he described as “unprecedented.” According to Eze, this should serve as a reminder for restraint in public commentary.
Eze urged Oshiomhole to “redirect his energy toward supporting efforts to stabilise the country,” rather than attacking political figures who, in his words, have made “patriotic contributions.” He added that Amaechi remains focused on national issues and would not be distracted by “politically charged statements.”
He maintained that Amaechi continues to stand for due process and non-violence in public discourse, and called on political leaders to embrace constructive engagement rather than personal attacks.
