A political row has erupted in Nigeria after Adams Oshiomhole, a senator from Edo North, criticized Chibuike Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, over his handling of the country’s rail system. Oshiomhole, who appeared on a television program, described Amaechi as “the most terrible” and accused him of mismanaging the rail system during his tenure. He also questioned the decision to construct a train track to Niger Republic while Amaechi’s home state of Rivers had none.

In response, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a close ally of Amaechi, issued a statement defending his colleague. Eze accused Oshiomhole of trying to distract from the current administration’s failures, citing the country’s economic woes under President Bola Tinubu. He described Oshiomhole as one of those who should be held accountable for their actions, but are instead serving in public office to avoid prosecution.

Eze praised Amaechi for speaking truth to power and for his commitment to due process and non-violence. He also highlighted Amaechi’s achievements in reviving and revolutionizing the rail system in Nigeria, including his blueprint for developing the rail subsector in the South South, South East, and North East regions. Eze dismissed Oshiomhole’s criticism, advising him to focus on the facts and to take his grievances elsewhere.

The controversy surrounding Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation has been a subject of debate in Nigeria. During his time in office, the judiciary was shut down, which Eze attributed to an attempt by Governor Nyesom Wike to impeach a sitting governor using a minority of lawmakers. Eze also pointed out that Oshiomhole has his own controversies, having been impeached as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress by his ward.

The exchange between Oshiomhole and Eze reflects the deep-seated divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape. As the country grapples with economic and social challenges, politicians are increasingly turning on each other, seeking to deflect blame and gain political advantage. The spat between Oshiomhole and Amaechi is likely to continue, with significant implications for the country’s political landscape and the future of its rail system.