The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to resist former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential ambition, warning that the former minister would face difficulties campaigning in the state if he continued to disparage supporters of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike spoke in Abuja after a meeting with FCT area council chairmen, following reported remarks by Amaechi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), that only “thieves and mad people” would vote for Tinubu.
Describing the reported comments as an insult to the President’s supporters, Wike questioned Amaechi’s standing to accuse others of wrongdoing.
“A lunatic cannot preside over the affairs of this country! A known armed robber cannot!
“He said those who want to vote for Tinubu are thieves. So, I’m a thief? That’s what he’s saying.
“But who can be a bigger thief than Amaechi? Ask him who has been his psychiatric doctor,” the minister said.
Wike also criticised the media and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what he described as a failure to challenge inflammatory political statements as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that Amaechi could face resistance if he attempted to campaign in Rivers State while continuing to criticise Tinubu’s supporters.
“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers State. We will make it difficult for him.
“You cannot sit down, call voters madmen and thieves, and expect to walk away free,” he said.
The minister also challenged journalists to question Amaechi about public spending and projects during his tenure as Rivers State governor.
Wike alleged that $39 million was paid for the Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital, which he claimed was never built.
He also questioned a reported $10 million fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban firm to combat mosquitoes, describing the expenditure as wasteful.
On infrastructure, Wike criticised the N68 billion Port Harcourt monorail project, which he said was abandoned during Amaechi’s administration.
He further alleged that $308 million realised from the sale of state-owned gas turbines was misappropriated.
Wike argued that the allegations raised questions about Amaechi’s credibility to accuse other politicians of corruption.
“This is a known thief who was indicted by a Judicial Panel of Inquiry and lost his appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.
“Yet the media allows such a character to go on television and call the President and voters thieves,” he said.