The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of failing to deliver tangible development to Rivers State despite spending 24 years in senior political positions.

Wike made the remarks on Friday during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of the Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor for eight years and Minister of Transportation for another eight years.

He challenged residents of the Evo Kingdom to identify projects or other development initiatives that Amaechi attracted to the area or Rivers State during his years in public office.

“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.

Wike contrasted Amaechi’s record with his own tenure as Minister of State for Education, saying he could identify projects he attracted to Rivers State while serving in that capacity.

“I was 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,” he said.

Wike also questioned how someone who, in his view, spent 24 years in influential positions without sufficiently empowering his people could claim to be committed to their interests.

The FCT minister further criticised political leaders who, according to him, fail to empower others or groom new leaders after attaining positions of influence.

He said his approach to politics was focused on developing people and using opportunities in public office to improve the lives of the people.

Wike also defended his decision to maintain an open-door relationship with former political opponents, saying political actors should prioritise collective interests over personal differences.

“There is no permanent enemy in politics, only permanent collective interest. It is about the interest of our people. The more united we are, the stronger we become,” he said.

He urged political actors in Rivers State not to be distracted by criticism on social media over his engagement with former opponents, saying electoral politics requires building a broad political structure capable of mobilising voters.

The minister also called for an inclusive political structure in Obio-Akpor, urging politicians and community leaders across the area to participate.

“Whether you are a politician, traditional ruler, pastor or native doctor, I need everyone on board. When it comes to voting and elections, we must bring everyone together,” he said.

Wike had also recently said he would resign as FCT minister if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election in both Rivers State and the FCT. He said he would announce his resignation on January 17, 2027, if that happens.