Amaechi Opens Up About Strained Ties with Wike: “I Was His Boss, Whether He Likes It or Not”

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has opened up about his soured relationship with his successor, Nyesom Wike, during a candid interview on Arise Television. Amaechi revealed that he rarely visits Rivers State anymore due to what he describes as the neglect of major infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure.

He lamented the abandonment of key facilities, including a stadium, sports village, mother and child hospital, and an orthopedic hospital built in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), all of which he claims have been left unused under Wike’s leadership.

Despite their political fallout, Amaechi acknowledged a moment of recognition from his time in office. He recalled receiving an award from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology for establishing a medical school, which he had dedicated to Governor Wike. “I was grateful the school wasn’t shut down under his administration,” he noted.

When asked about the state of his personal relationship with Wike, Amaechi brushed it off, saying, “Why go into my private life?” He also addressed a comment from the interviewer about his clean lifestyle. “Thank God you know I don’t drink alcohol,” he replied.

Highlighting his former position of authority over Wike, Amaechi stated, “I was once his boss, whether he likes it or not. I hired him. I could have said no.”

The interview shed light not just on political tensions, but also on Amaechi’s continued frustration over what he sees as a lack of continuity in governance and a disregard for his legacy in Rivers State.