Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi to identify major projects and political empowerment he brought to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his years in public office.
Wike made the remarks while speaking with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He questioned what Amaechi achieved during his combined 24 years in senior public positions, comprising eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as governor and another eight years as Minister of Transportation.
According to Wike, Amaechi’s long period in government should have resulted in visible development and the emergence of new political leaders from his community.
“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 of Evo Kingdom to point to what Amaechi attracted to the area or the wider Rivers State during that period, claiming there was “nothing” to show for the years.
Wike also compared Amaechi’s record with his own experience in government, saying he could identify projects he facilitated for Rivers State while serving as Minister of State for Education.
The FCT minister further criticised what he described as a political culture in which leaders prevent others from attaining positions of authority after rising to power themselves.
He said his approach to politics was focused on developing people and creating a leadership structure that would continue after an office holder leaves.
Wike said he was content with the positions he had already occupied and had no desire to return to the governorship or local government chairmanship.
He also recalled changes made to the traditional leadership structure in Rivers State under his administration, saying they gave Evo Kingdom representation on the state Council of Traditional Rulers.
Wike urged his supporters to place their trust in God rather than political promises, arguing that people can disappoint one another but that political setbacks should not discourage them.
