By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has launched scathing corruption allegations against his political rival and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of enriching his family through government agencies.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike vehemently denied Amaechi’s recent claims of disliking money while portraying his wife as merely a businesswoman.
Wike labelled Amaechi a “liar” and alleged systematic corruption.Wike’s key accusations include:
1.NDDC Payments: Claiming Amaechi’s wife received ₦4 billion monthly for one year, totaling ₦48 billion, from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
2.Contract Facilitation:Asserting that as Minister of Transportation, Amaechi facilitated government contracts for his wife within agencies under his ministry – specifically the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
3.Agencies’ Debt Motive: Suggesting Amaechi’s recent mention of NPA and NIMASA owing contractors stemmed from debts owed to his wife’s companies.
4.Rolls Royce Gift: Condemning Amaechi for allegedly accepting a Rolls Royce as a gift from a contractor working for Rivers State in 2014.
Wike challenged President Bola Tinubu to release a forensic audit report on the NDDC, vowing it would expose Amaechi’s wife’s dealings.
He staked his position, declaring, “should the allegations be found untrue, he is ready to resign as FCT Minister.”
These accusations mark a significant escalation in the long-running feud between the two prominent Rivers State politicians. Amaechi is yet to publicly respond to these specific claims.