Amaechi Fires Back at Wike: “I Don’t Trade Words With Children”

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has responded to recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, downplaying their political fallout and clarifying the circumstances surrounding Wike’s early political appointments.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Amaechi addressed Wike’s jabs, including the latter’s claim that Amaechi was not “hungry for food but for political relevance” — a swipe made in reaction to Amaechi’s recent “we are all hungry” comment at his 60th birthday celebration.

Amaechi, who once governed Rivers State and appointed Wike as his Chief of Staff, explained his reasoning behind the appointment, saying he wanted to keep Wike close to monitor his activities.

“I appointed him as Chief of Staff so I could supervise him directly. I didn’t offer him the position of Commissioner for Finance,” Amaechi said.

Rejecting the claim that Wike was instrumental in his rise to the governorship, Amaechi credited his political ascent to divine will, the influence of former Governor Peter Odili, the judiciary, and the people of Rivers State.

“God, Peter Odili, the judiciary and the Rivers people made me governor,” he said, dismissing Wike’s narrative. “Ask him how he made me governor.”

Amaechi was clear in his refusal to further the war of words: “I don’t want to join issues with children. He made himself Chief of Staff, he made himself governor, he made himself minister, he made himself local government chairman,” he quipped sarcastically.

The exchange is the latest in a long-standing rivalry between the two Rivers State political heavyweights, once allies and now outspoken adversaries in Nigeria’s political landscape.