Wike challenges Amaechi to show results of 24 years in office

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to identify projects and political empowerment he attracted to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his 24 years in public office. Wike made the remarks on Friday during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders from Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Amaechi previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor and Minister of Transportation.

Wike questioned what he described as Amaechi’s development legacy, asking supporters to identify specific projects or initiatives linked to the former governor’s years in government. He said leadership should be measured by its effect on residents and by the institutions created to continue development after an officeholder leaves. The minister also accused some political leaders of monopolising power and failing to groom successors.

He said officeholders should use their positions to empower others rather than prevent people from their communities from attaining leadership positions. Wike defended his own political record, saying he could list projects he brought to Rivers State while serving as Minister of State for Education. He said he had no intention of returning to offices he had previously held, adding that he had served twice as a minister and could not become governor or council chairman again.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and said his priority was sustainable leadership. Wike also said he had restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom adequate representation on the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. Traditional and political leaders at the meeting expressed support for Wike and the platform backing his preferred candidates.

Eze Temple Ejekwu and Elder Peter Chinwo, president of Evo Assembly, assured him of support for Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.