By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a sharp attack against his predecessor and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, challenging him to account for several costly, uncompleted projects and his 24-year record in public office.
Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with leadership and stakeholders of the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council in Ahoada, Rivers State, Wike responded directly to comments Amaechi made during a recent television appearance.
Amaechi had criticized the current Federal Government’s project delivery, challenging the administration to point to its completed infrastructure.
Turning the scrutiny back on Amaechi, Wike demanded transparency regarding key projects initiated during Amaechi’s tenure as governor, including: “Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital: Questioning what became of $39 million reportedly disbursed to contractors for a project that never materialized.
“Rivers Monorail Project: Demanding accountability for the stalled infrastructure scheme, which absorbed an estimated N68 billion.
“Anti-Malaria Fumigation Initiative: Mocking a $10 million (N10 billion) malaria control program executed with Cuban partners.”
He continues : “Ask him whether mosquitoes have stopped biting us in Rivers State,” Wike remarked, dismissing the expenditure as a failure.”
Wike urged the people of the Ekpeye region and the broader state to critically evaluate leaders based on tangible development rather than titles held.
Highlighting Amaechi’s long tenure—spanning eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as Governor, and eight years as Minister of Transportation—Wike claimed the former governor failed to deliver meaningful progress.
“That is 24 years in top leadership positions. What can anybody point to that he attracted to Ekpeye Land in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike said.
The FCT Minister further questioned Amaechi’s political clout in the state, challenging observers to review his electoral record since 2011 and naming no major election victories for his camp since their political separation.
Wike argued that genuine political leadership should focus on empowering others, executing impactful projects, and leaving behind lasting legacies rather than blocking the rise of new leaders or exploiting personal and family tragedies for political sympathy.
Contrasting Amaechi’s record with the current administration, Wike praised President Bola Tinubu’s strategic appointments and focus on regional development structures benefiting the South-South region.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in the decade-long political rivalry between the two former allies.
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