Wike Challenges Amaechi to Show 24 Years of Development in Rivers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to account for what he described as the absence of tangible development or political empowerment in Rivers State after 24 years in top leadership positions.

Wike challenged the people of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State to identify any significant development or political empowerment Amaechi brought to the area during his eight years as Speaker of the state House of Assembly, eight years as governor and eight years as a minister.

According to a statement issued on Friday night by Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, the minister spoke during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom.

“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? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike said.

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He contrasted Amaechi’s record with his own tenure as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he facilitated for Rivers State and his people.

“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. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?” he asked.

Wike also reiterated his earlier declaration that he would resign as FCT Minister if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lost Rivers State and the FCT in the 2027 presidential election.

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He made the declaration during a strategic consultative meeting with stakeholders of Akpor Kingdom in Obio-Akpor on Friday, where he also rallied political support in Rivers State for the President.

“My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back here not for what I will get, but for what I will be to raise my people,” he said.

Wike said political engagement should be driven by the collective interests of the people rather than perpetual hostility.

“There is no permanent enemy in politics; what we have is permanent collective interest. It is all about the interest of our people. The more you are in number, the happier you become. Leadership is like a waste dustbin. If you cannot absorb things, both the good and the bad, then you cannot be a true leader,” he said.

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He urged political actors in the state not to be distracted by criticism on social media over his open door approach towards former political opponents, arguing that political strength was built through numbers.

Wike called for an inclusive campaign structure across Obio-Akpor, saying every segment of the community had a role to play in the electoral process.

“Whether you are a politician, whether you are a traditional ruler, whether you are a pastor, or whether you are a native doctor, I need everybody now,” he said, adding, “For the purpose of voting and elections, we must bring everyone together.”

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