Wike Slams Amaechi Over ‘Hunger’ Comment, Accuses Him of Hypocrisy and Desperation
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has slammed Rotimi Amaechi over his recent hunger comments, calling them hypocritical and politically motivated after decades of holding top public offices.
Wike questioned Amaechi’s sincerity, accusing him of exploiting Nigeria’s economic struggles for attention, and urged politicians to stop trivializing the suffering of ordinary citizens for political gain.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticized former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent remarks about experiencing hunger. Speaking to journalists on Monday morning in Abuja, Wike expressed disbelief at Amaechi’s comments, questioning the sincerity and intent behind them.
Wike, who served as Amaechi’s successor in Rivers State and has had a long-standing political rivalry with him, did not hold back in his response. He argued that Amaechi’s sudden concern about hunger in the country smacks of hypocrisy, especially given the prominent political offices he occupied for over two decades.
“Amaechi was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, Governor of Rivers State for another eight years, and then served as a Minister for eight years. All that time, not once did he raise alarm about hunger or poverty in Nigeria. So, why now?” Wike asked pointedly.
The FCT Minister further suggested that Amaechi’s comments are not rooted in empathy for the masses but are instead driven by political desperation. According to him, such statements are aimed at staying relevant in the nation’s political landscape after being out of power.
“It is laughable and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians that someone who enjoyed the perks of public office for nearly 24 years would now claim to understand hunger. It clearly shows the level of desperation to be seen and heard again,” Wike stated.
He accused Amaechi of attempting to exploit the country’s economic challenges for personal political gain, describing the act as both insensitive and opportunistic. Wike noted that many Nigerians are genuinely facing tough times due to inflation, unemployment, and other socio-economic challenges, and it is wrong for former leaders to trivialize their plight for political mileage.
“Nigerians are battling real issues. People are struggling to afford basic necessities. For someone who had every opportunity to improve the system but didn’t, to now come and pretend to be part of the suffering masses, is an insult to those who truly have no voice,” he said.
Wike also used the opportunity to caution politicians against politicizing national issues, especially those that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. He stressed the need for sincerity in leadership, noting that public trust is built through action, not rhetoric.
“Let’s be clear: this country needs honest conversations, not political gimmicks. Hunger is not a slogan; it is a painful reality. Leaders who had the chance to fix things but failed should not come out now to act like they are victims. It’s deceitful,” Wike added.
The war of words between the two prominent politicians continues to reflect the deep-rooted rivalry that has characterized Rivers State politics over the years. Their ongoing feud has often played out in public, drawing national attention due to their influence and high-profile roles in past and present governments.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of future elections, observers believe such exchanges will become more frequent, especially among former allies turned adversaries who are jostling for renewed relevance.
