A prominent chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu's administration, describing it as "clueless and insensitive" amid growing economic hardship in Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Wednesday to mark former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi's 60th birthday, Eze stated that Amaechi's recent public admission of hunger reflects the dire situation facing millions of Nigerians under the current leadership.
"As it is in Nigeria today, under the insensitive and clueless government of President Tinubu, it is an act most abominable for any Nigerian to say he is hungry. In fact, it is now a national taboo and sanctionable crime for Tinubu's men to hear that Nigerians are hungry," Eze declared.
National Emergency
The APC chieftain characterized the situation as a national emergency, arguing that Amaechi's comments should not have been ridiculed by government supporters, particularly Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
"Imagine, Tinubu, beating Nigerians, impoverished by his obnoxious, anti-people and self-serving economic policies, and yet, doesn't want them to cry out over hunger," he said.
According to Eze, Amaechi's comment was a "subtle but sincere call to action" and a "patriotic plea" for President Tinubu to revisit his economic policies to prevent national collapse.
"Amaechi saying he is hungry is a subtle way of advising Tinubu to have a rethink and save Nigerians from dying. It's a hard truth that must be said without minding whose ox is gored. It is speaking truth to power. It's nothing but the truth," he emphasized.
Widening Gap Between Government Officials and Citizens
Eze highlighted the stark contrast between government officials and ordinary citizens, claiming that only those within the government or controlling public funds can afford three meals daily while the rest of the population struggles to survive.
"Without mincing words, Amaechi made the statement to draw the attention of the insensitive Tinubu's government and the entire world to the unending hunger and abject poverty causing most Nigerians to commit suicide and not be sure of their next meal," he stated.
The APC chieftain accused government officials of living extravagantly while millions face deprivation and warned that sycophantic behavior, especially by officials like Wike and his aides, only deepens public resentment.
"Contrary to the reasoning of Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, a man that was moulded, tutored and brought to political limelight by Amaechi, the statement of the former Transportation Minister literally did not mean he can't feed himself or his family," Eze clarified.
"Amaechi's statement was a pointer to the fact that it is either you are in government or among those engaged in looting of the country's treasury... or else you will feel the pang of hunger."
Unprecedented Suffering
In one of his most striking claims, Eze alleged that the level of suffering under the Tinubu government surpasses that experienced during the Nigeria-Biafra War.
"Even during the Nigeria/Biafra War, Nigerians were not subjected to the level of wickedness and poverty currently pervading the nation under Tinubu due to his misguided policies," he asserted.
He noted that Amaechi spent over two decades in public service without allegations of looting and has every moral right to voice concerns on behalf of the people. "Amaechi is Nigerians, and Nigerians are Amaechi," Eze declared.
The APC chieftain further cautioned against "weaponizing hunger" and urged the President to embrace compassionate policies.
"Building flyovers in Abuja and making noise can never quench the thirst and hunger in Nigerians. If you are hungry, can you ascend and descend from a flyover?" he questioned.
Calling for prayers and faith, Eze expressed hope for Nigeria in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. He urged Tinubu's government to "show sympathy" and called on officials like Wike to stop mocking voices of dissent.
"Sycophancy is another major problem in the country that must be tackled," he concluded.
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