Politics
Amaechi Slams Wike, Calls Him ‘A Child’: ‘I Refused To Make Him Finance Commissioner’
Appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday evening, Amaechi revisited the long-standing rift between him and his former political ally turned rival, Nyesom Wike.
Former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating that Wike did not make him governor and was instead a subordinate who he appointed as Chief of Staff to monitor closely.
Appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday evening, Amaechi revisited the long-standing rift between him and his former political ally turned rival, Nyesom Wike.
In a fiery rebuttal, Amaechi stated that it was God, former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili, the Nigerian judiciary, and the people of Rivers State that made him governor—not Wike.
“The first thing I want to make clear is this: nobody made me Governor. It was God, Dr. Peter Odili, and the Nigerian judiciary—nobody else,” Amaechi declared.
His comments come in response to Wike’s recent jab, following Amaechi’s remark during his 60th birthday that “we’re all hungry.” Wike dismissed that statement, alleging that Amaechi was not hungry for food but for political relevance.
Amaechi, in turn, dismissed Wike’s claim that he (Wike) played a pivotal role in making him governor.
“As a journalist, nobody has ever asked that man who claims he made me governor: ‘How exactly did you make him governor?’ Right? Nobody has ever asked that question,” Amaechi stated.
He recalled the legal battle that led to his ascension as governor, noting that Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), now the Attorney General of the Federation, was his lead counsel at the time. According to Amaechi, the decisive court judgment that declared him governor had nothing to do with Wike’s influence.
“I went to court. If anything, Lateef Fagbemi, now Anthony General of the Federation was my lawyer. You can ask him,” he said.
Amaechi also recounted how Wike, then seeking a powerful portfolio, had asked to be appointed Commissioner for Finance in Rivers State after his court victory. Instead, Amaechi said he insisted on making him Chief of Staff to enable closer supervision.
“Mohammed Adoke flew from Abuja to Port Harcourt to make that case. But I said no. I wanted Wike as Chief of Staff so I could supervise him directly. I never offered him the position of Commissioner for Finance,” Amaechi revealed.
In a thinly veiled jab, Amaechi described Wike as someone who made himself everything.
“Let’s be honest: he made himself Chief of Staff, made himself Governor, made himself minister…—so let it end there. Don’t go any further,” he quipped, adding, “I don’t want to join issues with children.”
Amaechi stressed that he once had authority over Wike and still regards him as a former subordinate, despite their later positions.
“I’ve said it several times: he was my subordinate. I was once his boss, whether he likes it or not. I hired him. I could have said no. Just because we’ve both held certain positions doesn’t mean we’re equals,” he emphasised.
Highlighting his broader leadership record, Amaechi noted that beyond being a governor and minister like Wike, he also held the role of Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly—an additional feather in his political cap.
“Yes, I was a governor. He became a governor. I was a minister. He became a minister. But I was also a Speaker,” he added.
May 21, 2019
Sahara Reporters, New York
News
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February 2019.
Jamil Sarham, general officer commanding 6 division of the Nigerian army, has said Nyesom Wike Offered him billions of Naira in bribe to compromise the governorship elections in the state.
Aminu Iliyasu, the division’s spokesman, Sarham said governor Wike decided to witch hunt him when he turned down the offer.
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of Febuary 2019.
Denying the allegations, Sarham said: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers state governor to compromise the 2019 general election,” the statement read.
“My refusal to be bought over and the rejection of the hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms of me.
“On the mischievous accusation against Maj. Gen. Sarham of leaking proceedings of State Security Council meetings to criminals in Rivers State, Mr. Wike knows well that Maj.-Gen. Sarham is not a member of the Rivers State Security Council, neither has he ever approached the gates of Rivers State Government House, since his assumption of office as the GOC, 6 Division.
“Mr. Wike only came face-to-face with Maj. Gen. Sarham on the 15th of January, 2019, during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to challenge Wike to provide the public with any evidence of such meetings, with Maj. Gen. Sarham in attendance. Wike’s allegation against Maj.-Gen. Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation.
“Hence, Headquarters of 6 Division wishes to request the Rivers governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities, to make a point.”
Culled from Sahara reporters archive
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.
Ekwutosblog reports that the session will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28.
Nkwocha said Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, at the global event, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.
He revealed that the vice-president would announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs, under the Paris Agreement at this year’s UN special event on climate.
The Vice Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos State, Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, has died two months after assuming office.
Reports from the ancient town of Badagry confirmed that the late council vice chairman died on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the local political and traditional communities.
Ajose, who was sworn in on July 27, 2025, alongside the LCDA Chairman, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, and five councilors, were inaugurated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.
Family sources confirmed her death, disclosing that her remains have been deposited in a morgue.
Princess Ajose was the daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, further deepening the grief within the royal household and across the community.
Ekwutosblog recalls that Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor for Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, also died on August 13, barely two weeks after being sworn into office.
1982, Lagos: George Bush and Ekwueme
‘Nigeria owes you a lot’ – Tinubu pens down birthday message for wife Oluremi
Wike Offered Me Billions Of Naira To Compromise Rivers Election Says General Jamil Sarham
-
Politics11 months agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Business11 months ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending11 months agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Entertainment11 months ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment11 months ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Politics11 months agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Politics11 months agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI