Wike Denounces Amaechi’s Advocacy as Political Opportunism

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has delivered a scathing critique of his predecessor and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, dismissing the latter’s recent involvement in electoral reform protests as a “theatrical display” designed to manipulate public sentiment.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Distinguished Personality Lecture held at the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Mr Wike took a veiled but pointed jab at Mr Amaechi regarding his attendance at a demonstration advocating for the electronic transmission of election results.

Reports from Africa Update indicate that Mr Amaechi participated in the protest accompanied by his son, a qualified medical practitioner. Mr Amaechi reportedly claimed that his son’s presence was intended to provide emergency medical assistance to any demonstrators who might sustain injuries during the proceedings.

However, addressing an audience of academics and students, Minister Wike characterised the move as a disingenuous stage performance. He questioned the logistical credibility of the former governor’s claims, noting a distinct lack of medical infrastructure at the scene.

“He stated that he arrived with his son, a medical doctor, to treat those who might be injured,” Mr Wike remarked. “Yet, one must ask: where was the ambulance? Where was the medical equipment? One simply cannot treat patients with empty hands.”

The Minister further asserted that true leadership demands genuine action rather than “theatrical displays” intended to mislead the youth. He argued that the sudden advocacy for electronic result transmission by Mr Amaechi and other figures within the opposition constitutes a “classic case of political opportunism.”

Mr Wike observed that many individuals currently clamouring for electoral transparency remained conspicuously silent on such reforms during their own tenures in influential government positions.

“When they find themselves out of office, they suddenly transform into the voice of the people,” the Minister noted, describing the current agitation as “transactional.” He suggested that the opposition’s interest lies not in a steadfast commitment to the democratic process, but rather in securing rules that favour their eventual return to power.

Concluding his address, the Minister urged the students of the University of Abuja to remain vigilant against political manipulation. He emphasised that the “dividends of democracy” are not yielded by protest slogans, but are instead found in the arduous labour of developing infrastructure and fostering resilient national institutions.