By Samuel Adeola
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed recent comments by Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, insisting he will not descend into what he described as petty political exchanges.
Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, Amaechi reaffirmed his focus on impactful leadership and his legacy in public service, stressing that he would not be drawn into a verbal back-and-forth with individuals seeking attention.
“I don’t engage in petty political exchanges. I have outgrown such distractions,” he said.
Amaechi’s comments came amid a renewed spat triggered by his remarks at his 60th birthday celebration, where he voiced concern over Nigeria’s deepening economic hardship.
He had questioned the nation’s leadership direction and the role of uninformed followership, stating that a serious opposition could challenge the current administration.
In a sharp response, Wike accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, arguing that he had ample opportunity to address national issues during his time as a powerful minister.
Wike suggested that Amaechi’s recent criticisms stem from frustration over his loss of political relevance.
But Amaechi, in his television appearance, dismissed Wike’s claims and clarified their past political relationship.
He denied offering Wike the role of Commissioner for Finance during his administration, stating that Wike was appointed Chief of Staff so he could be closely monitored.
“He was my subordinate. Let’s not confuse political proximity with influence,” Amaechi said.
He criticized Wike’s governance style, accusing him of being obsessed with media attention and self-promotion.
In contrast, Amaechi pointed to his own record, including six completed flyovers, numerous schools, and other major infrastructure projects delivered without fanfare while he was governor of Rivers State.
Highlighting his achievements as Minister of Transportation, Amaechi mentioned signature projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan railway, Kaduna-Abuja rail line, Kano-Kaduna rail project, Lekki Deep Seaport, and Kano Inland Dry Port as evidence of his performance. “I delivered results. That’s what leadership is about, not empty noise,” he said.
He also questioned the impartiality of the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that had it existed in 2015, it could have derailed the success of the opposition.
He praised former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega for ensuring a level playing field during the APC’s rise to power.
By choosing not to respond directly to Wike’s personal jabs, Amaechi reinforced his commitment to mature political discourse, declaring that his legacy in governance would speak louder than any exchange of words.
