Chibuike Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State, has stated that he will not lower himself to engage in a verbal spar with Nyesom Wike, the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a recent interview with Arise Television, Amaechi reminded viewers of Wike’s former role as his chief of staff, asserting that he remains politically superior.
“I was once his boss. Whether he likes it or not, I hired him. I could have said no,” Amaechi declared.
At his 60th birthday celebration last week, Amaechi candidly mentioned that, like millions of Nigerians, he is “hungry.” Wike responded by dismissing these comments as merely a tactic for Amaechi to seek political relevance, implying that his hunger was more about the pursuit of political power.
Wike previously claimed that he played a pivotal role in making Amaechi governor. He recounted how he was the one to “champion” Amaechi’s rise to the governorship, challenging Amaechi’s narrative by questioning how one can label a political benefactor as an employee.
In response, Amaechi vehemently rejected Wike’s assertion, attributing his governorship to divine intervention, the judiciary, and the votes of the Rivers State populace. He countered that he appointed Wike as chief of staff specifically to oversee him closely, stating, “I wanted him as chief of staff so I could supervise him.”
Amaechi criticized Wike’s political demeanor, accusing him of lacking maturity and of tarnishing his family name. He lamented the deterioration of the projects he initiated as governor and highlighted the troubling current state of governance in Rivers State.
Switching focus, Amaechi took aim at Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), likening him to former INEC head Maurice Iwu. He suggested that the current leadership of INEC has been less transparent than in previous elections, drawing attention to perceived biases and an obstruction of the registration of new political parties.
Amaechi also criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for not adhering to constitutional guidelines and for reportedly stifling the opposition. He raised questions regarding the funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidies, pressing the government to clarify the allocation of those resources.
“The president removed the subsidy. Where is the money?” he queried, advocating for significant investment in infrastructure projects that would directly benefit the economy and citizens’ lives.