Wike challenges Amaechi to show development delivered during 24 years in office

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has challenged former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi to identify tangible development or political empowerment brought to Evo Kingdom during his 24 years in senior public office. Wike made the remarks during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. Amaechi previously served as speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor and minister, positions Wike said he held for eight years each.

“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,” Wike said. He challenged residents to point to what had been attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State during that period. Wike contrasted this record with his own time as a minister of state for education, saying he could list projects he had brought to Rivers State and his people.

He also accused unnamed past leaders of preventing others from rising and of failing to develop successors. The minister said his political philosophy was based on building human capacity, showing gratitude to God and uplifting his community. He warned that politics centred on one person would collapse when that leader left the scene.

Wike said he had no further personal political ambition, arguing that he had already served as governor and minister twice. His main request, he said, was for long life and the opportunity to continue serving his people. He also recalled restructuring the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom representation on the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Leaders and traditional rulers at the meeting assured him of support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.