Wike Threatens To Disrupt Amaechi’s Campaign In Rivers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has threatened to make campaigning difficult for former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the state over his reported description of supporters of President Bola Tinubu as thieves and mad people.

Wike accused Amaechi of insulting Nigerians based on their political choices and questioned his suitability to aspire to the vice presidency, describing him as a “lunatic” and a “known armed robber.”

The minister spoke with journalists on Friday after a meeting with chairmen of the six area councils in Abuja. He also addressed the indefinite strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Reacting to Amaechi’s reported remarks during an engagement with voters in Edo State, Wike said the former transportation minister had no right to insult people for choosing to support Tinubu.

Wike said, “He said those who want to vote for Tinubu are thieves. So, I’m a thief? That’s what he’s saying.

“A lunatic cannot preside over the affairs of this country! A known armed robber cannot!”

He warned that Amaechi could face resistance if he continued making such comments about Tinubu’s supporters.

“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers State. We will make it difficult for him.

“You cannot sit down, call voters madmen and thieves, and expect to walk away free,” he said.

Wike also urged journalists and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to scrutinise politicians’ campaign statements and hold them accountable for their remarks.

The minister subsequently questioned Amaechi’s record as governor of Rivers State, citing several projects and financial transactions that he alleged raised concerns about the management of public funds.

He alleged that $39m was paid for the Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital, which he claimed was never built.

Wike also questioned a reported $10 million fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban firm to tackle mosquitoes, describing the expenditure as wasteful.

He further cited the abandoned Port Harcourt monorail project, which he valued at N68bn, and the sale of state power assets involving $308 million.

Wike alleged that proceeds from the sale of the power assets were looted and questioned how public funds were handled during Amaechi’s administration.

“These are issues journalists should ask him about,” the minister said.

Wike also maintained that Amaechi had been indicted by a judicial panel of inquiry and lost an appeal up to the Supreme Court.

THE WHISTLER could not independently verify Wike’s allegations.