The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has slammed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of dishonesty and pretending to be modest.
Wike was reacting to Amaechi’s recent claim that he does not own any houses because he is not corrupt. During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike dismissed the statement and said it was impossible for someone who held high political office for over two decades to end up without property unless something was spiritually wrong.
“He was Speaker for eight years, Governor for another eight, and Minister for eight more. If he says he doesn’t have a house after all that, then he needs spiritual help,” Wike said.
Wike went on to allege that Amaechi owns a luxurious mansion in Guzape, Abuja,an area known for its high-end properties, and said the house is far beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
“I’m not threatening him, but let’s be truthful — that house is built like a fortress. A poor man can’t live there,” he added.
He also accused Amaechi of misleading Nigerians by projecting an image of simplicity while allegedly living a lavish lifestyle. Wike further claimed that Amaechi’s wife is among contractors owed by federal agencies, contradicting Amaechi’s complaints that agencies like the NPA and NIMASA have failed to pay contractors.
“I know his wife very well. So when he complains that contractors aren’t being paid, people should understand where it’s coming from,” Wike said.
The verbal attack marks the latest chapter in the long-running political feud between the two Rivers-born politicians, whose rivalry has spanned several election cycles and party lines.
