The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged the vice presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for what he attracted to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his 24 years in top political positions.
Wike made the challenge while addressing leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He criticised political leaders who, according to him, use their positions to prevent others from rising, saying such an approach leaves no sustainable leadership structure behind.
The minister said his political philosophy was centred on developing people, empowering others and using opportunities in public office to improve the lives of his people.
Wike specifically referred to Amaechi’s years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of the state and minister, putting his combined time in those positions at 24 years.
He asked the people of Evo Kingdom to identify any tangible development or political empowerment they could attribute to Amaechi during the period.
“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 Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike said.
The FCT minister contrasted Amaechi’s record with his own experience as a former Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he attracted to Rivers State and his people while serving in that position.
“I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people,” he said.
Wike questioned how someone who, according to him, spent decades in positions of authority without empowering others or creating new leaders could subsequently claim to be committed to the interests of the people.
He also accused some political leaders of attempting to monopolise power by ensuring that others from their communities do not attain similar positions.
“You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me,” Wike said.
The minister said he had no further personal political ambition, noting that he had served as governor and minister and had no desire to return to the governorship.
“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.
“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose.”
Wike also stressed the importance of succession and developing leaders capable of continuing from where their predecessors stopped.
He said political structures that depend solely on one individual would collapse when that individual leaves the scene.
“What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case,” he said.
On political disappointments, Wike urged his audience not to place absolute trust in promises made by politicians, saying God remained the only person he believed would not disappoint.
“As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” he said.
“So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong.”
Wike also recalled the restructuring of the chieftaincy institution under his administration, saying it gave Evo Kingdom adequate representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
His remarks came after Amaechi, speaking on AIT on Wednesday, vowed to resign from office if Nigeria failed to begin experiencing change within one year of an ADC administration.
Amaechi, who is the ADC vice-presidential candidate, said the party would prioritise major sectors if elected in 2027.
“If Nigeria does not begin to change, one year after we have come to office, come to me, I will resign,” he said.
He clarified that he was not suggesting that every aspect of the country would change within one year, but said Nigerians should at least experience what he described as “a breath of fresh air.”