By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has faulted growing criticisms of businessman, Gilbert Chagoury, describing them as misleading, divisive and lacking factual basis.
Showunmi, in a statement issued on Thursday, took a swipe at commentator Kio Amachree over what he termed a “misguided and factually weak” attack on Chagoury, calling for a more evidence-driven approach to discussions surrounding Nigeria’s development.
This followed recent criticisms by Amachree questioning the legitimacy of certain large-scale infrastructure deals and the role of private sector actors.
He warned that unsubstantiated narratives could derail meaningful engagement on critical infrastructure issues, stressing that public discourse must be anchored on verifiable facts rather than sentiment.
Showunmi said, “Amachree’s claims are riddled with contradictions, exaggerations and divisive undertones.Such narratives do not advance constructive national conversations.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart condemned suggestions that Chagoury was “less Nigerian,” describing the claim as “dangerous and intellectually lazy.”
“Gilbert Chagoury is Nigerian by law, by investment, and by decades of continuous engagement. He has lived, built, employed and taken risks in Nigeria far longer than many of his critics,” he stated.
Showunmi further cautioned against the oversimplification of complex infrastructure projects, including coastal highways and shoreline protection initiatives, noting that such ventures involve intricate financing models, technical expertise and substantial execution risks.
“If there are concerns, they must be backed with verifiable evidence. Where is the breach of procurement law? Which statutory provisions were violated? Assertions alone are not enough.”
On past controversies linked to Chagoury, Showunmi insisted that any allegations must be assessed strictly within the ambit of Nigerian law.
“If the law disqualifies anyone from public contracts, let it be clearly stated. Otherwise, what we are seeing is selective outrage and character assassination,” he added.
He also criticised diaspora commentators, arguing that distance from the country does not necessarily confer a deeper understanding of its socio-economic realities.
According to him, “Nigeria’s real problems are weak procurement enforcement, opacity in contract processes and poor accountability mechanisms. Targeting individuals does not address systemic failures.”
Citing landmark projects such as the Eko Atlantic City development and coastal protection efforts in Victoria Island, Showunmi maintained that Chagoury’s contributions to national infrastructure remain “visible and measurable.”
“These are not abstract claims. They are visible, technical achievements. One may debate contracts, but execution cannot be wished away,” he said.
While affirming the importance of public scrutiny in government dealings, Showunmi stressed that such engagement must be grounded in facts, warning that misinformation and defamatory claims could carry legal consequences.
“Public discourse must be anchored on truth. Sensationalism without evidence undermines serious national conversations,” he said.
Showunmi called for greater responsibility in public commentary and commended Chagoury’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria.
“Public commentary must be anchored in facts, not conjecture,” he said. “Where reputations are unfairly maligned, there should be consequences.”
“You have demonstrated what enduring belief in this country looks like,” he added. “For that, many discerning Nigerians remain appreciative.”
Article Showunmi hits back at critics of Chagoury, labels claims ‘misleading’ Live On NgGossips.
