I Don’t Join Issues With Children – Amaechi Hits At Wike

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has brushed off recent criticisms from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, labeling him a “child” not deserving of serious attention.

Amaechi, appearing as a guest on Arise TV on Tuesday, June 3, responded to Wike’s remarks about his earlier comments on the growing hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria, which Amaechi had highlighted during his 60th birthday celebration.

Amaechi had voiced concerns about the deteriorating economic situation and raised questions about the direction Nigeria was heading as a nation.

He also criticized the nation’s elite and expressed doubts about the productivity of Nigeria’s economy.

In response, during a media chat on Monday, Wike claimed that Amaechi’s remarks were “politically motivated,” accusing him of being “hungry for power” rather than genuinely concerned about the struggles of Nigerians.

“When he was minister of transportation, he never spoke about hunger. Now that he’s out of power, he suddenly remembers the people,” Wike said.

During his Arise TV interview, Amaechi strongly refuted Wike’s allegations, stressing that his ascent to the governorship was due to divine intervention, legal processes, and the support of the Rivers State populace, not Wike’s influence.

“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State made me governor. Ask him who made him governor. I won’t join issues with children,” Amaechi said.

He further clarified that he had deliberately chosen Wike as Chief of Staff during his administration, instead of Commissioner for Finance, to maintain closer oversight of him.

“When Mohammed Adoke came to Port Harcourt and asked me to appoint him Commissioner for Finance, I refused. I needed to keep an eye on him, so I made him Chief of Staff. Whether he likes it or not, I was his boss. I hired him, and I could have said no,” Amaechi stated.

Taking a jab at Wike’s political character, Amaechi remarked, “He made himself everything—Chief of Staff, governor, minister, local government chairman. There’s no more respect for family names. People just say and do anything these days.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli