In Abuja on Tuesday, Basil Ejidike, the National Coordinator of the Association of Former All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen (AFSC‑APC), publicly condemned the verbal attacks by celebrity socialite Pascal Okechukwu – better known as Cubana Chief Priest – against Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works.
Ejidike described the socialite’s remarks as “unfortunate and completely misplaced,” urging that “greenhorns should refrain from dragging respectable national figures into needless public spats.” He said the incident was a sign that “public discourse has degenerated to a point where basic respect for elders and constituted authority is routinely discarded.”
“These days, people appear to have thrown every decorum to the ‘dogs’. People no longer have respect for their elders and constituted authority. Where is the ‘line’ or comparison between Dist. Sen Dave Umahi and Cubana Chief Priest?”
He dismissed Cubana’s critique as lacking substance, adding that the socialite is “virtually a non‑starter and should first learn the ‘ropes’.” Ejidike challenged anyone questioning Umahi’s decades of contributions to “either be profoundly ignorant or acting in bad faith.”
Ejidike praised Umahi’s record as governor of Ebonyi State, saying, “Apart from Gov. Wike of Rivers State, I stand to be corrected if any past governor of any state had equalled the achievements of Sen. Umahi in terms of provision of infrastructure.” He added that Umahi “is still eloquently and creditably discharging himself” as Minister and is “presently rated among the most high‑performing ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”
Addressing specific criticisms, Ejidike dismissed claims that Umahi had short‑changed his home region or that his family members should be barred from political participation. “Senator Umahi serves all Nigerians across board, and the South‑East zone has objectively fared far better under his current portfolio than it did under many of his predecessors,” he said.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
