Nigerian Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for several major projects and expenditures incurred during his administration. Wike made the challenge during an interactive meeting with the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council and leaders and stakeholders of Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas. The meeting took place at Ekpeye House in Ahoada.
The FCT Minister was reacting to Amaechi's recent criticism of the Federal Government's record of project delivery. Amaechi had challenged the administration to name major projects it had completed. Wike turned the spotlight on his predecessor's record in Rivers, questioning the outcome of several projects initiated under Amaechi. These projects include the $39 million Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, the N68 billion monorail project, and the N10 billion anti-malaria fumigation programme.
Wike expressed concerns about the $39 million paid for the hospital project, which was not completed. A Rivers State judicial commission set up under Wike had investigated the payment of $39.2 million to a contractor for the project and its failure to materialize. The minister also questioned the fate of the monorail project, a major infrastructure scheme initiated by the Amaechi administration, and the expenditure on the fumigation programme.
Furthermore, Wike criticized a $10 million malaria control project executed with Cuba to eradicate mosquitoes in the state. He described the initiative as a scam, asking whether mosquitoes had stopped biting people in Rivers State. The minister emphasized that such issues should be considered when assessing the records of political leaders seeking higher office.
Wike also challenged Amaechi's record after spending eight years each as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor, and Minister of Transportation. He asked what Amaechi had attracted to Ekpeye Land in 24 years in top leadership positions. Wike urged the people of Ahoada East and West to demand evidence of projects and political empowerment attracted to the area during Amaechi's years in public office.
The minister emphasized that leadership should not be measured only by the offices occupied but by the people empowered, projects delivered, and structures left behind. He contrasted this with his own efforts to empower people and develop political successors. Wike warned against a political culture in which personal tragedies are deployed to gain sympathy or attack opponents.
The comments by Wike deepen the long-running political feud between the two former Rivers leaders, who once worked together before becoming major political rivals. Wike recalled their political relationship and past disagreements, including controversies surrounding appointments and business interests involving federal maritime agencies.
Key points
- Wike challenges Amaechi to account for $39m hospital, N68bn monorail, and N10bn anti-malaria fumigation projects.
