The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at Rotimi Amaechi, accusing the ex-transport minister of lacking political integrity and direction.
Appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Wike rejected Amaechi’s claim of political mentorship, declaring,
“He [Amaechi] does not even know his left from his right politically. So, how can he claim he made me? It’s unfair.”
Wike’s remarks followed Amaechi’s earlier appearance on the same programme, where he expressed confusion over Wike’s lack of respect despite “raising him” politically.
“Let the minister of the FCT come; let’s take a walk from the airport to Port Harcourt — no police, no army… I brought him up in politics,” Amaechi had said.
But Wike insisted that respect is earned by character, not age or office:
“Respect should not come because you’re older or because you were once governor. It should come from integrity and honour.”
‘I Was Already a Political Player’
The FCT Minister dismissed claims that Amaechi influenced his rise.
“He cannot claim to be my senior politically. I contested for chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA in 1998 and won,” he said.
He also recounted how Amaechi once sought his help to gain a legal role in Rivers State Government:
“He wanted someone to help him be appointed a lawyer. The man he wrote to was loyal to me.”
On Corruption and Power
Wike criticised Amaechi’s oft-repeated claim of disinterest in money:
“When a man says in public, ‘I don’t like money,’ you know he’s lying. He was Speaker for 8 years, Governor for 8 years, and Minister for 8 years.”
He added that true leadership is about empowering others, not longevity in office:
“God gives power to whomever He chooses. What matters is how you use it to uplift others.”
Political Tensions Ahead of 2027
The bitter rivalry between the two men, which began in the run-up to the 2015 elections, has resurfaced amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi is now a key figure in a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The alliance includes heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola. Amaechi has declared he will serve only one term if elected president:
“If I won’t do more than four years, I would say that.”
Once Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and perceived protégé, Wike has since charted his own powerful path in Nigerian politics. This public clash underscores their enduring struggle for dominance — in Rivers politics and beyond.