By Samuel Olusegun Precious
Reactions have trailed the fresh war of words between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Wike, on Friday in Abuja, launched a blistering attack on Amaechi after reports that Amaechi, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said in Edo State that only thieves and mad people would vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Wike fired back, describing Amaechi as a “lunatic” and “bloody thief” who can never preside over Nigeria.”A lunatic cannot preside over the affairs of this country! A known armed robber cannot! 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?” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also threatened that Amaechi will find it difficult to campaign in Rivers State if he continues to insult 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,” Wike warned.
He also challenged Amaechi to account for projects under his tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015, citing the alleged $39m Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital / cassava mill, $10m fumigation contract to a Cuban firm, the N68bn Port Harcourt monorail, and the $308m sale of state power assets, alleging that Amaechi was indicted by a judicial panel and lost at the Supreme Court.
The remarks have sparked heated debates on social media and political circles in Rivers, with supporters of both former governors trading words, while some stakeholders are calling on INEC to caution politicians against inflammatory campaign rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections.
