Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has responded to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s criticism of the Federal Government’s project delivery, challenging him to account for major projects and expenditures undertaken during his tenure as governor.
Wike spoke on Saturday during an interactive meeting with the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council and political stakeholders from Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, Rivers State.
His comments followed Amaechi’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the former governor and Minister of transportation criticized the federal government’s performance and challenged the administration to identify major projects it had completed.
Responding, Wike turned attention to Amaechi’s eight-year tenure as Rivers governor, raising questions about several projects initiated under his administration.
Among them were the reported $39 million expenditure on the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, the N68 billion monorail project and funds allegedly committed to an anti-malaria fumigation programme.
Wike questioned why the specialist hospital was not completed despite the money reportedly committed to the project. The hospital project had previously been investigated by a judicial commission established during Wike’s tenure as governor over the payment of about $39.2 million to a contractor.
The FCT minister also questioned the outcome of the Rivers monorail project and criticised a reported $10 million malaria-control initiative involving Cuban experts. He described the programme as ineffective and questioned whether it achieved its stated objective of combating mosquitoes in the state.
Wike argued that such projects should form part of the assessment of politicians seeking higher public office.
He further questioned Amaechi’s record during his years in public service, noting that the former governor spent eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as governor and another eight years as Minister of Transportation.
According to Wike, residents of Ekpeye land should examine the projects and political opportunities Amaechi attracted to the area during those years.
The minister maintained that leadership should be judged not merely by the positions a politician has occupied but by tangible projects, empowerment opportunities and successors developed while in office.
Wike also criticised the use of personal or family tragedies in political disagreements, arguing that private grief should not be exploited to score political points or gain public sympathy.
He further questioned Amaechi’s political influence in Rivers State, challenging his supporters to examine his electoral record since their political relationship deteriorated.
Wike also revisited aspects of their past political relationship and previous disagreements, including controversies surrounding appointments and interests connected with federal maritime agencies.
He contrasted Amaechi’s record with initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the establishment of regional development structures and appointments involving individuals from the South-South.
The latest exchange marks another escalation in the longstanding political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, who were once political allies before becoming prominent opponents in Rivers State politics.
