FORMER Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged the people of Evo Kingdom to point to any tangible development or political empowerment brought to their land by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, despite holding top political offices as Speaker, Governor and Minister for 24 years.
News Point Nigeria reports that Wike made the remarks on Friday while speaking during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, where he declared that, unlike past leaders who used their elevation to pull others down and monopolise power, his political philosophy centres on human capacity development, divine gratitude and uplifting his people.
The Minister questioned the moral right of those who spent decades in high offices without leaving a legacy of leadership or infrastructure in the area, warning against selfish politics that crumbles once the leader passes on.
He said, “Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are.
“You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me.”
Taking direct aim at Amaechi’s 24-year tenure across various arms of government, Wike challenged the kingdom to present evidence of what his reign brought to the land.
“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!
“I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?” Wike queried.
Highlighting his political trajectory and contentment with his achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the FCT Minister stressed that he has no further personal political ambitions beyond serving as a vessel for his people.
“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.
“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose,” he said.
Wike continued, “What leadership, as you are leaving, have you left behind to carry on where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our case.”
Addressing political uncertainties and betrayal, the Minister reiterated his firm trust in God rather than human promises.
Wike declared, “As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God.
“So don’t ever believe that a human being will disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong.”
Wike also recounted how his administration restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom adequate representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, dismissing claims that traditional politics or native charms could intimidate him.
In his characteristic bold style, Wike dismissed fears of ‘juju’ or political threats.