Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, has dismissed recent remarks made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Amaechi stated that he would not engage in a war of words with “children.”
The comment came during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, where he indirectly addressed Wike’s criticism of his political relevance and past role in government.
Wike had ridiculed a statement Amaechi made during his 60th birthday celebration, where he said, “We’re all hungry.”
The FCT minister responded by suggesting that Amaechi was not hungry for food but for political relevance. Wike also claimed that he was responsible for Amaechi’s rise to power as governor.
In response, Rotimi Amaechi refuted Wike’s claim, stressing that the FCT Minister always gives credits to himself alone.
“Nobody made me governor. God, Peter Odili, and the Nigerian judiciary made me governor. Nobody,” Amaechi stated.
He also pointed out, “Nobody has ever asked that man that says he made me governor, how did you make this man governor? Nobody has ever asked that question.”
Amaechi went on to explain why he appointed Wike as his chief of staff during his tenure. According to him, it was a strategic decision to keep Wike under close supervision.
“Mohammed Adoke flew all the way from Abuja to Port Harcourt. That week he asked me to make him commissioner for finance and I said no, he has to work under me. I want him as chief of staff so I can supervise him,” Amaechi explained.
He further clarified, “I didn’t offer him commissioner for finance. You see, I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children.”
Amaechi added, “I was once his boss. Whether he likes it or not. I hired him. I could have said no.”
The former Minister also mocked Wike’s self-promotion, stating, “You know, he made himself chief of staff. He made himself governor. Made himself minister and himself local government chairman.”
In making these statements, Amaechi emphasized that he had played a significant role in Wike’s political journey, despite Wike’s claims to the contrary.
It should be noted that the exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the two political figures. Amaechi’s comments underscore his dissatisfaction with Wike’s recent remarks, particularly regarding the claims of political influence.
The former governor’s insistence on not engaging in “issues with children” reflects his desire to distance himself from Wike’s rhetoric.
Meanwhile, City News Nigeria reported earlier that Mr. Rotimi Amaechi condemned President Bola Tinubu’s government whiles speaking at his 60th birthday party.
