Rivers State Governor Nyesome Wike and his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi have rekindled their hostility toward each other. Wike had said the federal government was shielding Amaechi, currently minister of transportation, from prosecution. He accused Amaechi, whom he once served as chief of staff, of misappropriating proceeds from the sale of Rivers State assets.
“People gave you the opportunity. You sold our properties, everything. And people are talking in this state because of the government that says they are fighting corruption and protecting people. You (Amaechi) sold our property for $308m and kept for us $208,000.
“That is the kind of people parading themselves in government, for a government that says they are fighting corruption, shame,” said Wike.
There are reports Amaechi had first called Wike a “drunk”, but the minister denied saying so.
Appearing on Arise television’s morning breakfast show, Amaechi said, “I didn’t say that, that will be disrespectful of a governor”.
I only say that I don’t make statements under the influence of alcohol. Some people are attaching meaning to what I say.”
I don’t think I want to address the issue of the governor, I have made my point, I have moved on. He was my staff, I can’t bring myself low.
“I was a governor, I was also a speaker, I’m a minister. I was the two-term chairman of the governors’ forum.
The same when I was a speaker. Why should I be discussing him (Wike)?” Amaechi quizzed.
