The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday, rebuked former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi for his recent remarks about being “hungry.”
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wike described Amaechi’s comment as an affront to the sensibilities of Nigerians. He argued that with over two decades in top public offices, Amaechi’s claim of hunger could not be literal, implying instead a hunger for power.
Both Wike and Amaechi are prominent political figures from Rivers State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The duo, who share a history of leadership in the oil-rich state, have long been political rivals. Amaechi served as Rivers State governor from 2007 to 2015, while Wike succeeded him, governing from 2015 to 2023. Wike was later appointed FCT minister in August 2023.
Last Friday, at an event marking his 60th birthday, Amaechi had remarked that he was “hungry” and expressed openness to joining the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
However, Wike, a minister in the president’s cabinet, said Amaechi was hungry for power, and not food.
Wike said, “I don’t know why a man would choose his 60th birthday to tell lies. It’s unfortunate. Of all times, on your 60th birthday when people are celebrating you?
“He was (Rivers State) Speaker from 1999 to 2007. He was the most pampered speaker. He became a governor from 2007 to 2015. Eight years as Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, and eight years as governor, he never talked about hunger.
“He became a minister from 2015 to 2023, eight years as a super minister of transport. When he was borrowing money (for projects), he didn’t talk about hunger.”
“Two years after office, he says: ‘I’m in coalition because I’m hungry’. He is only hungry for power and that shows failure on his part.
“How do you insult Nigerians? How do you trivialise the issue of hunger or poverty? He joined Atiku, and (ex-Kaduna governor Nasir) el-Rufai, all because he is hungry, has he not insulted Nigerians? Just that he can’t stay out of power,” he added.