Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has firmly rejected Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s criticisms, stating he will not engage in a war of words with “children.” This assertion was made during an appearance on ARISE TV on Tuesday, in response to Wike’s comments regarding Amaechi’s remarks on hunger in Nigeria.
“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State were instrumental in my becoming governor. Ask him how he achieved his position. I make this clear because I refuse to engage with children,” Amaechi stated.
This back-and-forth arises from Amaechi’s earlier remarks during his 60th birthday celebration, where he expressed deep concern about Nigeria’s economic difficulties.
“Nigerian elites are not the problem; rather, it is the populace. We lack genuine capitalists who can invest in production. What are we doing in Nigeria? Do we genuinely want to be a country? The crucial question is how we can bring about change.
“We are all experiencing hunger. If you’re not, I certainly am. For us in the opposition, we can remove the current leader if necessary,” Amaechi asserted.
Wike, in a media interview on Monday, dismissed Amaechi’s comments as “politically motivated,” accusing him of trivialising the struggles of Nigerians.
“Amaechi did not mention hunger when he was the super minister of transportation. Now, two years after leaving office, he talks about it. He’s just hungry for power,” Wike stated.
“How can you insult Nigerians and belittle poverty and hunger? This is an insult to them. His current situation is merely because he is out of power—this is his hunger.”
In response, Amaechi refuted Wike’s claims of being pivotal to his rise as governor, asserting that his ascent was a result of divine intervention, judicial victories, and the support of Rivers State residents.
He also elaborated on his decision to appoint Wike as chief of staff instead of finance commissioner, highlighting the necessity for close supervision.
“Mohammed Adoke travelled from Abuja to request the finance position. I declined, wanting him to work directly under me. I preferred him as chief of staff for better oversight. I had every right to refuse,” Amaechi explained.
He added, “Wike made himself chief of staff, governor, minister, and local government chairman.”
Amaechi concluded with a critique of Wike’s political behaviour, stating, “Respect for family names has eroded; people now say and do anything.”
