Wike tackles Amaechi, demands account of 24-year stewardship

File Photo: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged a former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for projects and political empowerment he attracted to Evo Kingdom and the state during his 24 years in public office.

 Wike said Amaechi, who served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor, and Minister of Transportation, ought to show what he delivered to the people during his time in government.

 He spoke on Friday during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Criticising his predecessor, Wike said, “Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, governor for eight years, and minister for eight years; that is 24 years in top leadership positions!”

“What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years?” Wike asked. “Nothing! Not one single thing!”

Wike contrasted Amaechi’s tenure with his own record, stating that he attracted tangible projects to Rivers State while serving as Minister of State for Education.

“I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people,” he said.

The FCT minister also faulted political leaders who fail to empower others or groom successors after holding public office.

He noted that true leadership should be measured by the structures and successors left behind rather than personal longevity in power.

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“When you leave office, what leadership have you kept behind to continue where you stopped?” Wike asked. “Our problem here is that some people want everything for themselves, and when they pass away, everything crumbles; that is not our case.”

Defending his political record, Wike stated that he had no ambition to return to positions he had previously held.

“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life.”

“I cannot be a governor again; I have been a minister twice, and I cannot be a local government chairman again,” he added. “So I am happy, and I have nothing to lose.”

Wike recalled how his administration restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom direct representation on the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

He urged his supporters not to place absolute confidence in political relationships, advising that politicians must always be prepared for betrayals.

“As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” he added.

Speaking at the meeting, traditional and political leaders, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and the President of the Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo, pledged their support for Wike.