Wike challenges Amaechi to prove his impact in Rivers State

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called out former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He asked Amaechi to show what projects or political empowerment he brought to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his 24 years in public office.

Wike made this challenge during a meeting on Friday with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. He questioned the development legacy of his predecessor, who was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor, and Minister of Transportation.

The FCT minister accused former political leaders of holding onto power and not helping others to grow. He insisted that true leadership should be seen through its impact on people and how it sets up structures for continuing development after the leader is gone.

Wike said political officeholders should use their positions to lift others up instead of stopping people from their communities from becoming leaders.

"Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are," Wike stated.

He added, "You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me."

Wike directly criticized Amaechi’s time in public office. He challenged Amaechi's supporters to point out any specific projects or initiatives he brought to Evo Kingdom during his time in government.

"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! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!"

He continued, "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. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?" Wike asked.

The minister also defended his own record, saying he is proud of what he has done. He has no plans to go back to the offices he once held.

Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, saying his focus now is on supporting strong leadership and helping new leaders who can carry on development work.

"After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life," he said.

"I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose."

Wike said the quality of successors and institutions left behind is how political leadership should be judged. He warned against a system where everything depends on just one person.

He continued, "What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case."

Wike also spoke about the uncertainties in political alliances. He told his supporters not to put all their trust in human promises. Their commitment should come from faith and personal responsibility.

"As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God," Wike declared.

He added, "So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong," he said.

The FCT minister shared how his administration worked to change the chieftaincy system so Evo Kingdom could have proper representation on the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

He rejected claims that traditional political practices or local charms could intimidate him. He emphasized that his political choices come from his beliefs.

At the meeting, traditional and political leaders showed support for Wike and the political platform behind his chosen candidates. Among those who assured the minister of victory for Tinubu and other candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition were Eze Temple Ejekwu and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of Evo Assembly.