AMAECHI DISMISSES WIKE AS “A CHILD” IN HEATED POLITICAL EXCHANGE
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has fired back at recent criticisms from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing him as “a child” not worthy of serious engagement.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, June 3, Amaechi responded to Wike’s reaction to remarks he made at his 60th birthday celebration, where he expressed deep concern over worsening economic conditions in Nigeria and questioned the direction of the nation under current leadership.
Amaechi had lamented rising hunger and hardship, while also taking aim at the Nigerian elite, whom he accused of contributing little to the country’s real economic progress.
In response, Wike, during a media chat on Monday, dismissed the comments as politically driven, accusing Amaechi of seeking a return to power rather than expressing genuine concern for Nigerians.
“When he was Minister of Transportation, he never spoke about hunger. Now that he’s out of power, he suddenly remembers the people,” Wike said.
Amaechi, however, dismissed Wike’s assertions and questioned his credibility. He denied that Wike played any significant role in his political rise, asserting that his governorship emerged through divine favor, judicial rulings, and public support.
“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State made me governor. Ask him who made him governor. I won’t join issues with children,” Amaechi said pointedly.
The former governor also revealed that he had deliberately chosen to appoint Wike as Chief of Staff, rather than Commissioner for Finance, during his administration to keep him under close watch.
“When Mohammed Adoke came to Port Harcourt and asked me to make him Commissioner for Finance, I refused. I needed to keep an eye on him, so I made him Chief of Staff. Whether he likes it or not, I was his boss,” Amaechi stated.
Taking a swipe at Wike’s perceived political ambition and public image, Amaechi added:
“He made himself everything—Chief of Staff, governor, minister, local government chairman. There’s no more respect for family names. People just say and do anything these days.”
The heated exchange adds another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between the two political heavyweights, who once shared a close alliance before their relationship soured in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.
