Wike to Amaechi: You spent 24 years in power without empowering your people in govt

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to account for the development projects and political empowerment he attracted to Evo Kingdom during his 24 years in top public offices.

Wike made the remarks while addressing 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 eight years and Minister of Transportation for another eight years.

Wike questioned what he described as the lack of tangible legacy and new political leaders allegedly produced by Amaechi during his years in public 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.

The FCT minister contrasted Amaechi’s record with his own time as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he facilitated for Rivers State.

He also criticised what he described as a political culture in which leaders attempt to prevent others from attaining positions they once occupied.

“Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, 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.

Wike added, “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 former Rivers governor said his political philosophy was centred on developing people and building a leadership structure capable of surviving beyond individual politicians.

He said he had no personal political ambition left to pursue, noting that he had served as governor and minister and could no longer seek some of the positions he previously occupied.

“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 also urged political leaders to develop successors rather than build structures around themselves.

“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 betrayal, Wike said politicians should place their trust in God rather than rely entirely on promises from other people.

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

He also recalled steps taken by his administration to restructure the chieftaincy institution in Rivers State, saying the move gave Evo Kingdom greater representation on the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

Wike reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and said he would continue to promote what he described as sustainable leadership and human capacity development.

At the meeting, traditional and political leaders, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and President of the Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo, expressed support for Wike and pledged their backing for Tinubu and candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.