Amaechi Focuses On National Issues, Not Fighting Tinubu, Eze Blasts Shittu’s ‘Fawning Servility’

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) member and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), has launched a scathing attack on former Minister of Communication Adebayo Shittu, accusing him of “fawning servility” in his defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The rebuke comes in response to Shittu’s recent criticism of APC leaders such as Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Salihu Lukman, and Babachir Lawal, all of whom have expressed concerns about the current government’s direction.

Shittu, in an interview with Punch Newspaper, said these criticisms were unnecessary and urged Tinubu to focus on calming disgruntled figures such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

He specifically targeted Amaechi, arguing that his claims about discrepancies in the APC presidential primaries should be taken to court rather than made public.

Eze, in a statement released to the media today, vehemently defended Amaechi and other critics, claiming that their concerns stem from the nation’s pressing issues.

“Such opinion from Shittu and his likes irritates to loathing given that the country is faced with an avalanche of problems ranging from hunger and food shortages to insecurity, economic downturns, and a steady downward trend of the naira on the international money market; these challenges staring us in the face can only elicit reactions from responsible leaders, critical stakeholders, and notable patriots like Amaechi and Lawal,” Eze declared.

He accused Shittu of self-serving and dishonest motives, claiming that neither Amaechi nor Lawal are “fighting” President Tinubu.

Instead, Eze contended that criticising the administration’s performance is an essential act of civic responsibility, especially given the perceived failures in various sectors.

“It would be unusual for anyone to be envious of a leader whose performance by all indices of assessment ranks below average and whose administration’s overall appraisal results in abysmal failure,” he stated.

Eze raised additional concerns about the APC presidential primaries, echoing allegations of widespread bribery. “Nigerians have not forgotten how during the APC presidential primaries.

“Tinubu bribed delegates with thousands of dollars each to secure the party’s ticket; in fact, it is safe to say the president purchased the party’s ticket, and the result is the suffering that has ravaged the country to this day; the result is organised corruption in high offices under the regime. A regime in which the President has elevated himself far above the constitution he swore to uphold.”

The statement also accused the Tinubu administration of enacting unpopular policies that have resulted in increased poverty and hardship among ordinary Nigerians.

Eze directly addressed Shittu, claiming that he is “stylishly battling to resurrect from his fall into the lowest pitch of abject fortune since he left public office” and is using Amaechi to curry favour with President Tinubu.

He urged Shittu to stop defending the administration’s perceived incompetence and concentrate on more productive activities.

“It is crass irresponsibility for anyone to defend the current regime’s crass ineptitude for any reason,” Eze declared. “Amaechi is concerned with national issues, particularly those that contribute to the country’s peace, unity, and development.”

Chief Eze’s fiery statement highlights growing tensions within the APC over the Tinubu administration’s performance and direction.

It also highlights the ongoing debate over the legitimacy of the APC presidential primaries and the effects of current economic policies on the Nigerian people.

The exchange is likely to fuel discussions within the ruling party and across the country about Nigeria’s challenges and the best way forward.