Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent comments against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his supporters, declaring that people with such disposition cannot be allowed to preside over Nigeria’s affairs.
Wike, who spoke while addressing journalists after an FCT meeting, accused Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, of engaging in personal attacks rather than issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The FCT Minister also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the media for failing to sanction or question politicians who, according to him, make inflammatory statements during political campaigns.
He said political campaigns should focus on policies, programmes and solutions for Nigerians rather than insults and attacks on individuals.
Wike’s comments followed Amaechi’s reported remarks in Edo State where he allegedly described supporters of President Tinubu as “thieves” and “mad people”.
The minister expressed concern that such statements were coming from a person seeking to occupy the position of vice president of Nigeria.
“Not just an ordinary politician, a vice-presidential candidate will tell voters that only thieves vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and only mad people will vote for him,” Wike said.
He insisted that INEC has a responsibility to caution politicians who violate campaign rules and promote divisive rhetoric.
Wike also challenged Amaechi to account for several projects and financial transactions linked to his tenure as Rivers State governor, including the alleged $39 million cassava flour mill project, $10 million fumigation contract, N68 billion monorail project and the sale of a state-owned gas turbine reportedly valued at $308 million.
He questioned the whereabouts of the projects and funds, urging the media to demand explanations from the former governor.
According to Wike, Amaechi lacked the moral standing to accuse supporters of President Tinubu of wrongdoing, arguing that the former governor should first address allegations surrounding his administration.
“Who can be a bigger thief than Amaechi?” Wike asked, while accusing him of allegedly mismanaging state resources during his time in office.
The minister further alleged that Amaechi was indicted by a judicial panel of inquiry and challenged him to explain the outcome of his legal battle over the matter.
Wike accused some media organisations of failing to hold opposition figures accountable, saying similar allegations against him or the President would receive extensive coverage.
He warned that if Amaechi continued with what he described as offensive comments, his campaign activities in Rivers State could face serious challenges.
“Such statements cannot be made and you think you will come to Rivers State and campaign freely. It will not happen,” Wike said.
Earlier, Wike addressed the controversy surrounding the planned strike by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), describing it as politically motivated and unacceptable.
He said the FCT Administration had resolved all outstanding issues affecting primary school teachers and had no unresolved dispute with local education authorities.
According to him, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Senior Staff of Schools had distanced themselves from the strike because the issues raised were already being addressed.
Wike said matters relating to promotions were ongoing, while issues concerning directors remained establishment matters that could not be altered by the FCT Administration.
He directed area council chairmen to recall teachers and civil servants to work, warning that the “no work, no pay” policy would be enforced against anyone who refused to resume.
The minister alleged that the NLC FCT chairman was using the labour platform for political purposes, claiming he was a former Area Council election candidate of the ADC.
He accused the union leadership of attempting to create a crisis in the FCT for political advantage by keeping teachers away from classrooms.
Wike also raised concerns over security threats linked to attempts by some individuals to establish beer parlours and motor parks in certain locations between Gwagwalada and Asokoro without approval.
He directed the FCT Urban Control Department, working with security agencies, to remove the illegal structures before they became security challenges.
The minister insisted that the administration would not allow unauthorised activities capable of threatening public safety to take root in the territory.
