The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, of failing to deliver meaningful development to Rivers State despite spending 24 years in top political positions.
Mr Wike said Mr Amaechi served as speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor for eight years and a federal minister for another eight years, but could not point to any significant development he brought to the state during that period.
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He challenged residents of the Evo Kingdom in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State to identify projects or other developments attracted to the area by Mr Amaechi during his years in public office.
Mr Wike made the remarks on Friday during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of the Evo Kingdom, according to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Communications, Lere Olayinka.
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“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,” Mr Wike said.
“Can anyone point out what has been done to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing, not one single thing.”
Mr Wike contrasted Mr Amaechi’s record with his own tenure as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he attracted to Rivers State while serving in that capacity.
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“I was Minister of State for Education and I can count the projects I attracted to Rivers. But he was speaker, governor and a full minister for eight years in a lucrative ministry, yet brought nothing home,” he said.
“After 24 years in power without empowering his people, how can he now say he loves them?”
Mr Wike also reiterated his earlier pledge to resign as FCT minister if President Bola Tinubu loses Rivers State and the FCT in the 2027 elections.
He made the declaration at a strategic consultative meeting with stakeholders in Akpor Kingdom, where he rallied Rivers State’s political structure behind Mr Tinubu.
“My interest in Rivers State is for God to use me as a vessel to help our people. I am back not for what I will get, but for what I can do to uplift my people,” he said.
The former Rivers governor also defended his decision to maintain an open-door policy towards former political opponents, saying political actors should focus on collective interests rather than personal animosity.
“There is no permanent enemy in politics, only permanent collective interest. It is about the interest of our people. The more united we are, the stronger we become,” he said.
READ ALSO: 2027: I’ll resign if Tinubu loses FCT, Rivers, Wike vows
Mr Wike urged political actors in Rivers State not to be distracted by criticism on social media over his engagement with former critics.
He said electoral politics was ultimately about building a broad political structure capable of mobilising voters.
The minister called for an inclusive campaign structure in Obio/Akpor, urging politicians and community leaders across the area to participate.
“Whether you are a politician, traditional ruler, pastor or native doctor, I need everyone on board,” he said.
“When it comes to voting and elections, we must bring everyone together.”
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