Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to explain the outcome of an alleged $10 million fumigation project reportedly carried out during his administration.
Wike made the demand on Tuesday during a media chat while responding to a question about his repeated criticism of Amaechi, who is now the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate.
The FCT minister denied deliberately targeting the former governor, arguing that Amaechi’s ambition to become Nigeria’s vice-president made it necessary for his past record and decisions in public office to be examined.
Wike maintained that Nigerians should be allowed to assess Amaechi’s performance and determine whether his record justifies his current political ambitions.
“You can’t just want to run for a position without anybody telling you the past. So, let Nigerians judge if all these things are correct,” he said.
The minister specifically questioned the reported $10 million payment to a Cuban company for a fumigation exercise that Amaechi allegedly promised would eliminate mosquitoes and reduce malaria infections across Rivers State.
“You told Rivers people that you’re going to fumigate the state so they won’t be suffering from malaria, and you paid 10 million dollars to a company in Cuba. Could you tell Nigerians what is the effect of that fumigation?” Wike asked.
He also criticised Amaechi over his comments about President Bola Tinubu and members of the Federal Government, including his reported description of the president as a thief. Wike argued that such allegations should not go unchallenged, particularly when they concern a sitting president.
The FCT minister insisted that Amaechi should be prepared to answer questions about his own record and previous statements rather than present himself as an exemplary leader while seeking higher political office.
Wike, however, clarified that he had no objection to Amaechi criticising Tinubu. He maintained that the former governor should equally be held accountable for his own actions, claims and decisions while in public office.
