…Reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu, says leadership must outlive its holder
Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to account for the development and political empowerment he attracted to Evo Kingdom during his 24 years in top government positions.
Wike made the remarks while addressing leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called for sustainable leadership that empowers others.
The FCT Minister questioned what he described as the absence of tangible projects and political succession attributable to Amaechi during his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor and minister.
According to him, Amaechi spent eight years each as Speaker, governor and minister, yet, he asked stakeholders to identify projects or other forms of development allegedly attracted to Evo Kingdom during the period.
“Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike said.
He contrasted the record with his own time as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he facilitated for Rivers State and his people.
Wike said genuine leadership should not be about monopolising political positions but creating opportunities for others to rise and contribute to the development of their communities.
He said he would not be comfortable before God if he prevented other people from attaining political positions simply because he had occupied them.
“You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me,” he said.
The former governor said he had no personal political ambition left to pursue, noting that he had served as governor and minister and was therefore content with his achievements.
“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.
Wike also stressed the importance of building a political structure capable of surviving beyond the tenure of an individual leader.
“What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case,” he said.
On political loyalty and betrayal, Wike said politicians should place their ultimate trust in God rather than human beings, noting that political relationships could change.
“As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” he said.
He also recalled his administration’s restructuring of the chieftaincy institution to provide Evo Kingdom with adequate representation on the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Wike dismissed suggestions that traditional politics or threats involving native charms could intimidate him, maintaining that his political decisions were guided by his convictions.
Meanwhile, political leaders and traditional rulers, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and the President of Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo, assured Wike of their support for President Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
