Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to explain how the $308 million proceeds from the sale of state-owned power plants were utilised during his administration.
Wike spoke on Sunday at a town hall meeting with leaders, elders and stakeholders of Ogbakor Etche in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He also criticised Amaechi’s record during his eight years as governor of the state and subsequent eight years as Minister of Transportation.
Wike specifically questioned the sale of Rivers State’s gas turbine power stations for $308 million, asking what the people of the state gained from the transaction.
“Amaechi sold the gas turbine power stations for $308 million. Where is the money? What did Rivers people get from it?” Wike asked.
He also challenged Amaechi to identify projects and opportunities he delivered to Rivers residents during his tenure as governor between 2007 and 2015.
“When you had the opportunity to be governor of Rivers State, what did you bring to our people?” he asked.
Wike further questioned Amaechi’s record as Minister of Transportation, asking him to name people from the area whom he helped bring into prominent positions.
The FCT minister said political support should be based on tangible achievements and opportunities created for communities rather than personal loyalty.
“Politics is not about what one person will gain. Politics is about what your people will gain,” he said.
“Ask yourself; what has this person brought to our people? What has he done to improve the lives of our people? What opportunities have been created?”
Wike cited the appointment of Professor Dimiri Mercury as Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University and the establishment of the university’s Faculty of Agriculture campus in the area as some of the benefits he said had accrued to the region.
He also mentioned the political appointments of Senator Allwell Onyesoh and House of Representatives member Kelechi Wogu.
The minister also urged Rivers residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he said had prioritised due process, accountability and infrastructure development.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, we are witnessing a system that respects the rule of law and demands absolute transparency from public office holders,” Wike said.
He argued that public officials who mismanage state resources should be held accountable through lawful processes.
“When people loot or mismanage the commonwealth, the law must take its course,” he said.
Wike urged residents to assess political leaders based on their records, programmes and contributions to community development rather than individual political allegiance.
Earlier, Wike and other political stakeholders paid a condolence visit to the palace of the late elder statesman and member of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Emmanuel Opurum, who was the Etche/Ochie of Etche land.
Opurum died at the age of 106.
Wike pledged to support the family with the burial arrangements.
- I started experiencing sexual dysfunction after brain surgery — Julius Agwu - October 4, 2026
- Editors demand 50% threshold, election disputes resolved before swearing-in - October 4, 2026
- Wike fires fresh salvo at Amaechi over $308m power plant deal - October 4, 2026
