FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed criticism from former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and administrative reforms. He spoke during a Channels Television interview on Friday. Wike said the criticisms were a bid to discredit the administration for political gain.
Wike and Amaechi have a long political history. Both served as Rivers State governors. Amaechi served from 2007 to 2015. Wike succeeded him. They fell out. Wike joined the APC. Amaechi remained in the APC but faced internal marginalisation. The two have exchanged barbs for years. The current exchange is part of the 2027 political build-up.
Wike said the country had moved past the “era of explaining problems.” He said Tinubu’s reforms, though painful, were stabilising the economy. He acknowledged that petrol prices remain high. He said the government had removed the subsidy to prevent national insolvency. “If we had continued the way we were going, this country would have collapsed,” he said.
On Amaechi, Wike was blunt. “He is entitled to his opinion. But I don’t think anybody takes him seriously anymore.” He accused Amaechi of opposing the administration out of personal ambition. “Some people have one agenda: to be president. Anything short of that, they will oppose.”
Wike dismissed speculation about a rift with Tinubu. “The President has never complained about me. I have never complained about him. We are focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.” He said the FCT was recording progress in infrastructure, security and revenue generation. He cited road projects and improved lighting in satellite towns. He urged critics to visit the FCT and see for themselves.
Winners: Wike, who asserts loyalty. Tinubu, whose reforms are defended. The APC, which shows internal discipline. Losers: Amaechi, whose criticism is dismissed. Critics who see Wike’s defence as self-serving. The opposition, which loses a talking point. No serious losers if the defence holds.
Bottom Line: Wike dismissed Amaechi. He defended Tinubu. He said the reforms prevented collapse. The exchange is political. The economy remains the battleground. 2027 will settle it.