Wike Challenges Amaechi to Account for 24 Years in Top Political Positions
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Nwolu Adams
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to account for the development projects and political opportunities he attracted to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his 24 years in top political positions.
Wike made the remarks while addressing leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The minister said Amaechi occupied three major political positions over a period of 24 years, serving as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor of the state for another eight years and Minister of Transportation at the federal level for eight years.
He questioned the tangible impact of Amaechi’s years in public office on his immediate community and the wider Rivers State.
According to Wike, political leaders should use the influence and resources available to them in public office to develop their communities, empower their people and create opportunities for younger generations.
He also criticised what he described as a political culture in which individuals who have attained influential positions subsequently attempt to prevent others from achieving similar political advancement.
Wike said his approach to politics had been centred on developing people and creating opportunities for others to rise.
“I believe in developing people, creating opportunities and preparing new leaders who will continue from where we stopped,” he said.
The FCT minister said he was satisfied with his political career and claimed that he had no personal ambition to seek another political office.
Wike, who previously served as governor of Rivers State before his appointment as FCT minister, said his political journey had given him opportunities to serve at both state and federal levels.
He urged politicians and their supporters to remain committed to their responsibilities while trusting in God, noting that political relationships could sometimes end in disappointment.
According to him, individuals in public life should focus on what they can contribute to society rather than allowing personal political ambitions to define their relationships and activities.
Wike also recalled efforts made by his administration as governor to restructure the traditional leadership system in Rivers State.
He said the reforms were aimed at giving Evo Kingdom greater representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The minister maintained that traditional institutions should have appropriate representation and recognition within the state’s governance structure.
At the meeting, several political leaders and traditional rulers expressed support for Wike and his political position.
Among those who spoke were Eze Temple Ejekwu and Elder Peter Chinwo, who pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
The gathering brought together political stakeholders, traditional rulers and community leaders from Evo Kingdom, with discussions focusing on political leadership, community development and representation.
Wike’s comments come amid continuing political alignments and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political actors across Rivers State mobilising support for their preferred candidates and platforms.
