Amaechi Reveals Those Behind His 2007 Governorship Victory

Former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi has credited several key figures for his rise to the governorship of Rivers State in 2007. Speaking on Arise News, Amaechi acknowledged that his appointment as governor was made possible by the grace of God, his predecessor Dr. Peter Odili, the people of Rivers State, and the judiciary.

Amaechi, who governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 after serving as Speaker of the State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, reflected on the opportunities he seized during his political career. He recounted how his relationship with Odili helped him become Speaker of the Assembly, a position in which he excelled and was eventually elected Chairman of the Speakers’ Forum. He stated, “God knows I was one of the best Speakers in this country at that material time,” highlighting his performance in the role.

Amaechi emphasized that it was ultimately the judiciary that officially declared him governor, underscoring the legal backing that affirmed his mandate.

This statement comes amid political tensions involving Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, recently criticized former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati’s claim that Wike is rude to Amaechi because Amaechi is his political boss. Abati argued that Amaechi helped Wike rise through the ranks, supporting his tenure as a local government chairman and his appointments as Chief of Staff and Minister of State for Education.

In response, Olayinka questioned how Amaechi could be considered Wike’s political superior. He reminded the public that during the 2007 governorship crisis, Wike stayed in Rivers State to help Amaechi reclaim his mandate while Amaechi fled to Ghana, suggesting a more complex dynamic between the two politicians.