The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his participation in the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest.

Wike spoke on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Distinguished Personality Lecture Series organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences.

He attended the event alongside two of his sons.

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Taking a swipe at Amaechi, Wike questioned his decision to bring his son, said to be a medical doctor, to the protest as a precautionary measure in case of emergencies.

“The other day, some people went for a demonstration, and somebody said, ‘I brought my son here, who is a medical doctor in case anyone falls down,’” Wike said.

“Meanwhile, the child has no medical equipment with him. There’s no ambulance there with him in case anybody slumps.”

The FCT minister also accused opposition figures of inconsistency, arguing that some of those advocating electoral reforms now were silent when they held positions of authority.

“People are talking about electronic transmission today. Why not ask who were those responsible that there was no electronic transmission in the last election?” he said.

“When they are out of office, they borrow the people’s voice; when they are inside office, they won’t say anything.”

Amaechi had earlier participated in demonstrations at the National Assembly complex following the Senate’s rejection of a proposal to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory.

In defending his presence at the protest, Amaechi said leaders should stand physically with citizens during significant civic actions rather than observe from afar.

He also alleged that the ruling party opposed mandatory electronic transmission out of fear of losing elections.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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