Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, over his comment that he (Wike) does not respect him.
Wike, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, emphasised that respect is earned through integrity and honour, rather than age.
Amaechi had previously stated that he didn’t understand why Wike disrespected him, given their age difference and Amaechi’s role in mentoring Wike in politics.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the former transport minister had said, “Let the Minister of the FCT come, let’s take a walk from the airport to Port Harcourt, no police, no army, nothing, just the two of us.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t respect people like us; I am older. I brought him up in politics. Who is he?”
Wike however, countered that Amaechi’s comments were unfair and that he couldn’t claim to be Wike’s senior simply because he held office before him.
Wike emphasised that power is given by God and that individuals should use their positions to uplift humanity.
Wike also criticised Amaechi’s claims of not being corrupt, suggesting that anyone who claimed not to like money was dishonest.
He pointed out Amaechi’s lengthy tenure in public office, including eight years as governor and eight years as minister, and implied that it was unlikely he didn’t accumulate wealth during that time.
Wike also criticised Amaechi over his decision to join an opposition coalition to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Wike’s remarks came after Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned two road projects in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
Amaechi had recently expressed interest in running for president on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform, stating that Tinubu has mismanaged the economy.
Wike however responded by challenging Amaechi to show his achievements while in office.
“Because you have left office, you are angry. You said Nigerians are angry. You want to come back to power; you won’t come back,” Wike said.
Wike also questioned Amaechi’s timing, pointing out that he had served as Minister of Transportation for eight years without making a significant impact.
“You never made angry Nigerians happy, but Tinubu stayed in office for six months and you started saying Nigerians are angry,” Wike said.
The two former allies have had a public falling out, with Wike currently serving as a minister in Tinubu’s administration while Amaechi has joined the opposition coalition.
Wike boasted that he defeated Amaechi’s party in the last two presidential elections in Rivers State, where they both served as governors .
The tension between Wike and Amaechi stems from their past relationship, with Wike serving as Chief of Staff to Amaechi during his governorship. The two politicians have since fallen out over political control of Rivers State.
