The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to explain what happened to the alleged $308m proceeds from the sale of state-owned power plants during his administration.
Wike raised the issue on Sunday at a town hall meeting with leaders, elders and stakeholders of Ogbakor Etche in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He questioned what became of the proceeds and what Rivers State gained from the transaction.
Wike claimed, “Amaechi sold the gas turbine power stations for $308 million. Where is the money? What did Rivers people get from it?
“So, where is the money? Rivers people are asking: what happened to the $308 million?”
The minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of the Justice Omereji Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the sale and reportedly indicted the former governor.
Amaechi challenged the commission’s proceedings in court, but his case was dismissed by the Rivers State High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling dismissed his challenge to the inquiry; but did not affirm the commission’s findings as a criminal conviction.
Wike also questioned Amaechi’s record during his eight years as governor between 2007 and 2015 and his subsequent eight years as minister of transportation.
“When you had the opportunity to be governor of Rivers State, what did you bring to our people?” Wike asked.
“From Igwuruta to Chokochoko, it was a problem. From Chokochoko to Omoku, it was a problem.
“You became Minister of Transportation for eight years. Which person from our area did you bring to the limelight? Mention just one!”
Wike urged the people of Etche to assess political leaders based on their contributions to their communities rather than personal loyalty.
He cited the appointment of Professor Dimiri Mercury as Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University and the establishment of the university’s Faculty of Agriculture campus in the area as examples of tangible benefits.
He also cited the political appointments of Senator Allwell Onyesoh and House of Representatives member Kelechi Wogu.
“Politics is not about what one person will gain. Politics is about what your people will gain.
“Ask yourself; what has this person brought to our people? What has he done to improve the lives of our people? What opportunities have been created?
“We must begin to ask these questions because politics without development is meaningless.”
Wike also urged the people to support President Bola Tinubu, linking his appeal to the administration’s development programmes.
He said political allegiance should be based on programmes, infrastructure and opportunities rather than individual interests.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, we are witnessing a system that respects the rule of law and demands absolute transparency from public office holders,” Wike said.
“Governance is about lifting the people, not about personal aggrandisement or evading lawful inquiries into state properties.
“When people loot or mismanage the commonwealth, the law must take its course”, he added.
Wike urged the people of Etche and the wider region to “wise up” politically and assess leaders based on what they had delivered to their communities.
