Wike Challenges Amaechi to Account for 24 Years in Public Office

Wike Challenges Amaechi to Account for 24 Years in Public Office

By Emeka Henry Obi

October 3, 2026

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for his achievements and political legacy after spending 24 years in prominent public offices.

Wike made the remarks on Friday during an interactive meeting with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, Governor of the state for another eight years and later as Minister of Transportation for eight years.

Against that background, Wike asked residents to identify projects or political empowerment he claimed Amaechi attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State during his years in government.

“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.

The FCT minister contrasted what he described as Amaechi’s record with his own contributions to Rivers State, particularly during his time as Minister of State for Education.

Wike said he could identify projects that he facilitated for the state while serving in the Federal Government.

“I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people,” he said.

Wike Questions Political Succession

Wike also questioned the ability of political leaders to build successors and empower members of their communities after leaving public office.

He argued that leadership should not be measured solely by the number of political positions held but also by the institutions, people and structures left behind.

“When you leave office, what leadership have you kept behind to continue where you stopped?” Wike asked.

He warned against a political culture in which leaders concentrate power around themselves, arguing that sustainable leadership should create opportunities for others to continue the development process.

‘I Don’t Want to Return to Previous Offices’

The minister also said he had no intention of seeking positions he had previously occupied.

Wike noted that he had served twice as a minister and had already served as governor of Rivers State, adding that he was satisfied with what he had achieved in public service.

“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,” he said.

Wike further recalled reforms undertaken by his administration in Rivers State concerning the traditional institution, saying the changes provided Evo Kingdom with representation on the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

Wike Warns Against Relying on Political Alliances

On political relationships, Wike advised his supporters not to assume that political alliances would remain permanent.

He urged them to focus on collective interests rather than depending entirely on individual political relationships.

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

As the 2027 elections approach, Wike also called for an inclusive political mobilisation structure in Obio-Akpor, saying people from different segments of the community should be involved.

He appealed for the participation of politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community stakeholders.

“Whether you are a politician, whether you are a traditional ruler, whether you are a pastor, or whether you are a native doctor, I need everybody now,” Wike said.

He added that all groups should work together for the purpose of elections and political participation.

Traditional and political leaders at the meeting, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and President of the Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo, expressed support for Wike and the political platform backing his preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.