The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for the projects and political empowerment he attracted to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his 24 years in top public offices.
Wike made the challenge on Friday while speaking with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, where he also criticised what he described as a political culture of monopolising power and failing to groom successors.
Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor for eight years and Minister of Transportation for another eight years.
“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,” Wike said.
“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 contrasted Amaechi’s record with his own period as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he brought to Rivers State during his tenure.
“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,” he said.
The FCT minister also questioned the value of political leadership that does not create opportunities for others to rise, saying leaders should leave behind structures and people capable of sustaining their work.
“When you leave office, what leadership have you kept behind to continue where you stopped?” Wike asked.
“Our problem here is that some people want everything for themselves, and when they pass away, everything crumbles; that is not our case.”
Wike said his own political ambitions had largely been fulfilled, noting that he had served as governor and minister and had no desire to return to some of the offices he previously occupied.
“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing,” he said. “I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times... So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose.”
He also advised politicians against relying entirely on personal relationships, saying political circumstances could change.
“As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” Wike said.
Wike further recalled that his administration had restructured the chieftaincy institution in Rivers State to give Evo Kingdom representation on the state Council of Traditional Rulers.
The meeting was attended by traditional and political leaders, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and President of the Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo.
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