By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh attack on former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a “bloody thief” and a “lunatic” while declaring that politicians like him cannot become Nigeria’s president.
Wike made the remarks in Abuja while speaking with journalists after a brief meeting with chairmen of the FCT Area Councils.
He was reacting to reports that Amaechi, who is aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had told voters in Edo State that only “thieves and mad people” would vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Expressing anger over the reported statement, Wike questioned Amaechi’s suitability for the presidency and condemned what he described as an attempt to insult Nigerians supporting Tinubu.
“A lunatic cannot preside over the affairs of this country! A known armed robber cannot!” the minister declared.
Wike added, “He said those who want to vote for Tinubu are thieves. So, I’m a thief? That’s what he’s saying.
“But who can be a bigger thief than Amaechi? Ask him who has been his psychiatric doctor", Wike asked
The FCT minister also warned that Amaechi could face political resistance in Rivers State if he continued making derogatory remarks against 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 further challenged the media and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to scrutinise political campaign rhetoric and hold politicians accountable for their public statements.
Wike further revisited allegations surrounding projects and financial transactions undertaken during Amaechi’s tenure as governor of Rivers State, arguing that the former governor should account for his record in office before criticising others or seeking the presidency.
Among the issues he raised was the reported $39 million expenditure on the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, which Wike alleged was fully paid for but left incomplete.
He also questioned a reported $10 million fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban firm for mosquito control, describing the expenditure as a waste of public resources.
The minister further cited the abandoned Port Harcourt monorail project, which he said involved ₦68 billion, as well as the reported $308 million proceeds from the sale of state-owned gas turbine assets, which he alleged had not been properly accounted for.
Wike challenged journalists to investigate the issues and demand explanations from the former governor.
“This is a known thief who was indicted by a Judicial Panel of Inquiry and lost his appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.
“Yet the media allows such a character to go on television and call the President and voters thieves,” Wike said.
The latest exchange reveals the escalating political confrontation between Wike and Amaechi, as the FCT minister defending Tinubu and his supporters while questioning the former Rivers governor’s record in public office and presidential ambition.
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