Wike Challenges Amaechi Over $308m Sale of Power Plant

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to account for the $308 million proceeds from the sale of state-owned power plants during his administration.

Wike made the call on Sunday at a town hall meeting with leaders, elders and stakeholders of Ogbakor Etche in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The minister questioned the record of Amaechi’s eight-year tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015, as well as his subsequent eight years as minister of transportation.

He specifically raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the sale of the state’s power plants for $308 million.

A Justice George Omeregie-led Commission of Inquiry had investigated the transaction and reportedly indicted Amaechi. The former governor challenged the commission’s report in court, but the case was subsequently dismissed by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Wike said the people of Rivers State deserved to know how the proceeds from the sale were utilised.

“Amaechi sold the gas turbine power stations for $308 million. Where is the money? What did Rivers people get from it?”

He also questioned the development initiatives and opportunities created for Rivers State during Amaechi’s tenure as governor.

“When you had the opportunity to be governor of Rivers State, what did you bring to our people?” Wike asked.

The minister also questioned what Amaechi achieved for people from the Etche area during his eight years as Minister of Transportation.

He urged residents of Etche to assess politicians based on their records and contributions to community development rather than personal loyalty.

Wike 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 developments he said had benefited the people.

He also mentioned political appointments involving 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,” Wike said.

“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?”

He urged the people to demand accountability from political leaders and assess them based on tangible achievements.

Wike also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying its emphasis on due process, accountability and infrastructure development represented a different approach to governance.

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He urged the people to support policies and programmes capable of delivering development rather than basing political allegiance solely on individuals.

“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,” he said.

“Governance is about lifting the people, not about personal aggrandisement or evading lawful enquiries into state properties.

“When people loot or mismanage the commonwealth, the law must take its course,” he stated.

The minister said the Federal Government’s focus on infrastructure and inclusive governance should encourage citizens to support leaders capable of delivering tangible benefits to their communities.

He urged the people of Etche to “wise up” politically and make decisions based on programmes, development, and opportunities that would advance their communities.

Wike said political allegiance should no longer be built solely around individuals but around policies and programmes capable of improving the welfare of the people.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the minister to canvass support for what he described as a political direction centred on development and alignment with the Tinubu administration.

Earlier, Wike and other political stakeholders paid a condolence visit to the palace of the late elder statesman and member of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Emmanuel Opurum, the Etche/Ochie of Etche land, who died at the age of 106.

The minister pledged to support the family with the burial arrangements.