Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to comments made by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding respect.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics on Friday, Wike stated that respect should be based on integrity and honour, not on age or political seniority.
Amaechi, during an earlier appearance on the same programme on Thursday, had questioned why Wike does not respect him, stating, “I don’t know why he doesn’t respect people like us; I am older. I brought him up in politics.”
He also challenged Wike to walk with him from the airport to Port Harcourt without security escorts.
Responding, Wike said, “It’s very unfortunate. First of all, you should be respected by the integrity you have. You should be respected by the honour you have. You shouldn’t be respected because you are 200 years old.”
Wike further dismissed Amaechi’s claims of being his senior, saying, “The mere fact that he was a governor before me, there is no law that says if I am senior to you, I’ll be a governor before you. To God be the glory. He gives power to whom He wants at the right time.”
Wike also criticised Amaechi’s claim of not being corrupt, describing it as deceptive.
“When a man comes in public to say, ‘I don’t like money,’ you know that man is a big liar because he needs money to solve his problems,” Wike said.
He noted that Amaechi served as Speaker for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for another eight years, adding that Nigerians should be cautious of politicians who, according to him, pretend in public.
Amaechi governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and was succeeded by Wike. Prior to becoming governor, Wike served as Chief of Staff to Amaechi. Their relationship deteriorated before the 2015 elections due to political differences.
Amaechi is currently one of the key figures in the coalition movement recently formed within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Other members include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Do you have a story to share? Want to advertise with us? Or perhaps you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us:WhatsApp: +2348165713606 Email: nationalreports001@gmail.com
We'd love to hear from you!"
