“Name One Election You’ve Won!” — Wike Challenges Amaechi as Rivers 2027 Political Battle Intensifies
Wike made the remarks during an interactive meeting with the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council, alongside leaders and stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, at Ekpeye House in Ahoada East.
The FCT Minister was responding to comments recently made by Amaechi during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where the former governor questioned the Federal Government's record on project execution and challenged the administration to identify major projects it had completed.
Wike, in a sharp response, turned the question toward Amaechi's political history, challenging his supporters to point to an election he had won in Rivers State since their political relationship broke down.
> “Since I left him in 2011, after 2011, mention one election that he has ever won in Rivers State,” Wike said.
Wike Questions Karibi-Whyte Hospital, Monorail Projects
Wike also revisited some major projects initiated during Amaechi's tenure as governor, particularly the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital and the Rivers State monorail.
He questioned the reported expenditure on the specialist hospital, asking Amaechi and his supporters to explain what happened to the funds allegedly paid to the contractor.
> “Ask him about the $39 million that was paid for the Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital. Where is the hospital?” Wike asked.
The minister similarly challenged Amaechi to account for the Rivers State monorail project, one of the major infrastructure initiatives associated with his administration.
Wike also criticised a malaria-control exercise involving Cuban personnel, alleging that about $10 million was spent on the initiative.
> “Ask him whether mosquitoes have stopped biting us in Rivers State,” Wike said.
“24 Years in Top Leadership — What Did He Bring to Ekpeye?”
Wike further questioned Amaechi's impact on the Ekpeye people, pointing to the former governor's long career in public office.
According to him, Amaechi spent eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as governor and another eight years as a federal minister.
> “Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years, that is 24 years in top leadership positions. What can anybody point to that he attracted to Ekpeye Land in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!”
The minister urged residents of Ahoada East and Ahoada West to demand tangible evidence of projects, empowerment initiatives and political opportunities allegedly secured for the area during Amaechi's years in government.
Wike: Leaders Should Be Judged by What They Leave Behind
Wike argued that political leaders should not be judged merely by the offices they occupy but by the tangible impact they make on the people.
He emphasised projects delivered, people empowered and political structures created as important measures of effective leadership.
The FCT Minister also highlighted his own philosophy of political empowerment, saying leaders should create opportunities for others to rise rather than deliberately blocking emerging politicians.
He further cautioned against dragging personal and family tragedies into political disputes, stressing that political disagreements should remain within the boundaries of political contestation.
Wike said sensitive family matters, including bereavements, should not be weaponised in political battles.
Wike Revisits Old Political Differences
The minister also revisited aspects of his former political relationship with Amaechi, including disagreements over political appointments and interests involving federal maritime agencies.
He contrasted those experiences with what he described as the approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, particularly its creation of regional development structures and appointments of individuals from the South-South region.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, Wike's latest remarks add another dimension to the increasingly intense political contest in Rivers State, where the records, alliances and political influence of the state's major political figures are likely to remain subjects of debate.
© SPOTLIGHT ONLINE NEWS
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