Wike Takes Fresh Swipe At Amaechi, Challenges Him Over 24 Years In Power

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, questioning what he described as the lack of tangible development and political empowerment linked to Amaechi’s 24 years in public office.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike made the remarks during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The FCT Minister challenged stakeholders in the kingdom to identify specific projects, developments or political empowerment that Amaechi attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State during his years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor and minister.

Wike said Amaechi spent eight years in each of the three positions, amounting to 24 years in prominent political offices, but argued that there was little or nothing that could be identified as an achievement directly brought to the area during that period.

He contrasted Amaechi’s record, as he described it, with his own experience as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he facilitated for Rivers State and its people while serving in that capacity.

Wike also criticised political leaders who, in his view, fail to empower others or create opportunities for new leaders to emerge after gaining political influence. He argued that leadership should not only be measured by the length of time an individual spends in office but also by the structures, opportunities and successors left behind.

“When you leave office, what leadership have you kept behind to continue where you stopped?” Wike asked, stressing the importance of building institutions and empowering others to sustain progress beyond an individual’s tenure.

The minister further defended his own political record, stating that he had no intention of returning to positions he had previously occupied. He said he had served as governor and minister and therefore had no personal ambition to reclaim those offices.

Wike also recalled steps taken by his administration to restructure the chieftaincy institution in Rivers State, saying the reforms gave Evo Kingdom representation on the state’s Council of Traditional Rulers.

The remarks come amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Wike continuing to engage stakeholders and political actors in Rivers State. Amaechi, meanwhile, remains an active figure in the emerging political contest.

Wike’s comments represent his assessment of Amaechi’s record in public office, while the specific projects and achievements associated with Amaechi’s various tenures remain a matter of political debate.