‘Show your certificates’ — Amaechi replies Oshiomhole over ‘shallow’ comment
Amaechi Challenges Oshiomhole to Disclose Academic Credentials
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has publicly challenged Senator Adams Oshiomhole to present his academic certificates following Oshiomhole’s criticism labeling him as “shallow.” The confrontation arose during an interview on Rapid TV, where Amaechi responded to Oshiomhole’s recent remarks that questioned his political credibility.
Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-governor of Edo State, accused Amaechi of inconsistency in his political stances, specifically citing criticisms of the APC and President Bola Tinubu despite his prior support for the party. Oshiomhole further scrutinized Amaechi’s past comments about former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recalling that Amaechi had previously challenged Atiku’s rise as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate.
In his response, Amaechi expressed disappointment in Oshiomhole’s remarks, asserting that both men were political peers who served as governors concurrently. He defended his academic qualifications, stating, “I hold degrees in Law and Literature, Master’s degrees in both fields, and a certificate from the University of London. I also have a master’s degree from King’s College London, and I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Global Political Economy.” He then urged Oshiomhole to disclose his own credentials.
Amaechi recalled that Oshiomhole was among the governors who elected him chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, questioning the validity of Oshiomhole’s remarks now that they were no longer in the same political positions. “He’s not my subordinate. We are equals,” he noted.
The former governor also indicated that Oshiomhole’s criticism might be linked to his role in the senator’s removal as chairman of the APC, asserting, “What is paining Oshiomhole is that he was removed as chairman of the party, and I led the team that removed him because he was incapable of governing the party.”
Oshiomhole, in his criticism, had cited Amaechi’s previous claim that the primary election producing Atiku as the PDP’s presidential candidate was fraudulent, while alleging a shift in Amaechi’s position following an outreach from Atiku for collaboration.
In response to allegations regarding the mismanagement of funds and the abandonment of projects during his tenure, Amaechi questioned Oshiomhole’s timing, noting that “it took him 12 years” to voice such accusations. He raised concerns about why these claims were not made during or shortly after his time in office.
Despite the ongoing back-and-forth, Amaechi stated he would not engage further with Oshiomhole’s allegations, allowing the senator to continue voicing his criticisms.
