Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to account for the development and political empowerment he brought to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his 24 years in top political offices.

Wike spoke on Friday during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Taking a direct swipe at Amaechi, Wike noted that his predecessor served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor for another eight years and later as a federal minister for eight years.

He challenged the people of Evo Kingdom to identify tangible projects or political legacies attracted to the area during Amaechi’s years in office.

“Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike said.

He contrasted Amaechi’s record with his own experience as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he attracted to Rivers State during his tenure.

Wike also criticised politicians who, according to him, seek to monopolise political power and prevent others from rising after attaining prominent positions.

“Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are,” he said.

“You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me.”

The FCT Minister said his own political philosophy was centred on developing people and creating leaders capable of sustaining political and developmental gains after their predecessors leave office.

He said he was satisfied with what God had given him politically and had no desire to return to previously occupied positions.

“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” Wike said.

“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose.”

Wike said genuine leadership should be measured by the people and institutions left behind after a leader exits office.

“What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case,” he said.

On political loyalty and possible betrayal, Wike urged his supporters not to place absolute trust in politicians, saying only God could be relied upon not to disappoint.

“As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” he said.

“So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong.”

Wike also recalled how his administration restructured the traditional institution in Rivers State to ensure adequate representation for Evo Kingdom on the State Council of Traditional Rulers.

He dismissed suggestions that traditional politics or claims of spiritual powers could intimidate him.

At the meeting, political leaders and traditional rulers, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of the Evo Assembly, assured Wike of their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.