Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a scathing rebuttal against his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi, rejecting claims of political mentorship between them. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike turned the tables on the narrative, asserting that he had in fact been the one to assist Amaechi’s political career rather than the other way around.
Wike challenged the very notion of political seniority based on age or former positions. “Respect should come from integrity and honour. You shouldn’t be respected just because you are 200 years old,” he stated emphatically.
The minister argued that true respect in politics must be earned through character and achievement rather than mere longevity in the field.
The FCT minister pointed to his own early political success as evidence of his independent rise. “I contested the chairmanship of Obio-Akpor – one of Nigeria’s most important LGAs – in 1998 and won,” Wike declared, establishing his political credentials predated Amaechi’s significant achievements. This claim served to undermine any suggestion that Amaechi had been instrumental in his political development.
Wike went further to reveal that he had actually played a key role in Amaechi’s career. “He wanted to be Rivers State government lawyer. I walked him through. The Director of Civil Litigation was loyal to me,” Wike disclosed, portraying himself as the benefactor rather than the beneficiary in their political relationship.
This revelation aimed to completely invert the narrative of mentorship between the two politicians.
The minister didn’t stop there, highlighting what he characterized as Amaechi’s early political failures. “He failed the national election. Failed State Assembly primaries. This so-called human rights activist – I can’t recall what he was even fighting for,” Wike added dismissively. These remarks sought to diminish Amaechi’s political stature and legacy.
In his most cutting remark, Wike delivered a damning assessment of Amaechi’s political acumen. “He doesn’t even know his left from right politically. How can he claim he made me? It’s unfair,” he concluded, leaving no doubt about his contempt for Amaechi’s assertions.
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