FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has fiercely responded to remarks made by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of lacking political focus and credibility.
During an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, the former Rivers State governor, dismissed Mr Amaechi’s claim of mentoring him, arguing that the former Minister of Transportation has no real understanding of political strategy.
“Amaechi is completely lost when it comes to politics. How can someone who doesn’t even grasp the basics claim he made me? It’s simply not right,” Mr Wike said.
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Mr Wike’s rebuttal followed Mr Amaechi’s earlier comments on the same programme, where the former minister expressed confusion over Mr Wike’s perceived disrespect despite their political history and age difference.
He challenged the Minister to a face-to-face walk through Port Harcourt without security, claiming that Mr Wike owed him respect as his senior and political benefactor.
“Let him come; let’s walk together, no police, no escorts, just the two of us. I really don’t understand why he doesn’t respect me. I’m older. I introduced him to politics. Who is he compared to me?” Mr Amaechi had said.
Wike fires back
But Mr Wike rejected the notion that age or former titles automatically command respect.
“Respect is not handed out based on how old you are or the offices you’ve held. It comes from the kind of person you are, your integrity and your values. Being 200 years old doesn’t entitle you to respect,” he retorted.
The Minister also dismissed any idea that Mr Amaechi played a crucial role in shaping his political career.
He maintained that he had already established his own influence in Rivers politics long before Amaechi gained ground.
“He can’t call himself my senior in politics. I contested and won the chairmanship of Obio-Akpor, one of Nigeria’s most prominent local councils, back in 1998.”
Mr Wike further recalled that Mr Amaechi was once struggling to find political footing and needed support to be appointed as a lawyer within the Rivers State system.
He also criticised Mr Amaechi for constantly relying on his previous positions to claim relevance, arguing that past offices do not automatically make one politically significant today.
Mr Wike particularly took issue with Mr Amaechi’s public stance against material wealth, calling it hypocritical.
“When people say things like, ‘I’m not interested in money,’ it’s usually a lie. Amaechi spent eight years as Speaker, eight years as governor, and another eight years as a Minister. Nigerians should really examine the kind of people feeding them these narratives.”
Their renewed public clash comes as both remain significant figures in Nigeria’s evolving political scene, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon.
Mr Amaechi, who is now a prominent leader in a fresh coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently pledged to honour power rotation principles, vowing to serve only a single term if elected president.
The ADC alliance also features key politicians like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State.
Mr Wike and Mr Amaechi’s rivalry spans decades. Although Mr Wike once served as Mr Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and was widely seen as his political apprentice, their relationship soured in the lead-up to the 2015 elections, igniting a long-standing battle for dominance in Rivers State politics.
Their ongoing feud is the latest chapter in this bitter political saga.
