A former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has rebuffed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, refusing to engage in what he called a “war of words with children.” The remarks, made during a Tuesday appearance on ARISE TV, escalated a public spat rooted in Amaechi’s comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship and Wike’s sharp criticism.
The feud began at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration, where he lamented the widespread hunger plaguing Nigeria. “We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I’m,” Amaechi declared, questioning the country’s economic direction. He criticized the lack of production and urged a collective push to transform Nigeria, even hinting at the opposition’s potential to unseat those in power.
Wike, in a Monday media chat, dismissed Amaechi’s remarks as “politically motivated,” accusing him of trivializing Nigerians’ struggles. “He did not talk about hunger when he was a super minister of transportation,” Wike said. “Two years after leaving office, he’s talking about hunger. He’s just hungry for power.” Wike further claimed Amaechi was instrumental in his own rise to governor, a point Amaechi vehemently disputed.
On ARISE TV, Amaechi credited his governorship to “God, Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the Rivers State people,” rejecting Wike’s narrative. He recounted appointing Wike as chief of staff rather than commissioner for finance to keep him under close supervision. “I was once his boss. Whether he likes it or not, I hired him,” Amaechi said, adding that Wike “made himself” chief of staff, governor, minister, and local government chairman. He also took a swipe at Wike’s conduct, lamenting a lack of respect for “family names” in politics.
The clash highlights deep-seated tensions between the two political heavyweights, once allies in Rivers State politics. Amaechi’s broader critique of Nigeria’s economic woes struck a chord, as he questioned the absence of true capitalists and productive investment. “Do we produce here? Do we really want to be a country?” he asked, emphasizing the need for systemic change over elite-driven solutions.
Wike’s rebuttal framed Amaechi’s comments as opportunistic, suggesting his hunger remarks were a ploy to regain political relevance. The public back-and-forth underscores the personal and political rivalry that continues to shape discourse in Rivers State and beyond.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the Amaechi-Wike feud serves as a reminder of the polarized landscape in Nigerian politics. Amaechi’s refusal to engage further with “children” signals his intent to rise above personal attacks, focusing instead on broader national issues. Whether this exchange will fuel further political maneuvering or fade into the background remains to be seen, but for now, it has captivated public attention.