Wike Accuses Amaechi’s Wife of Diverting N4bn NDDC Funds

In a fresh escalation of the political rivalry between former Rivers State governors, Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi, Wike has accused Amaechi’s wife of misappropriating N4 billion allocated for the training of Niger Delta women through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), responded to Amaechi’s recent claim of seniority and political experience, saying respect should be earned through integrity, not age or position. “You should be respected because of the integrity you have and the honour you have, not because you are 200 years old,” Wike said. “He cannot claim to be older than me just because he was governor before me.”

Wike also recounted his political journey, stating he had already held elective office before knowing Amaechi. “In 1998, I contested for one of Nigeria’s most respected local governments, Obiakpor, and I won. I never knew Rotimi from Adams,” he said, alleging that Amaechi’s political rise was aided by mutual associates after an initial failure.

Turning to more personal allegations, Wike criticised Amaechi’s wife, questioning her public portrayal as an industrialist and accusing her of involvement in alleged financial impropriety. “When did your wife become an industrialist? Which company does she own?” Wike asked, adding that claiming to be an industrialist simply for engaging in trade was misleading. “Selling does not make you an industrialist.”

He condemned Amaechi’s use of his wife’s business status in political narratives, suggesting it showed a lack of respect. “I don’t think Amaechi loves his wife. If he did, he would not bring her into such discussions.”

Wike then called on President Bola Tinubu to release the long-delayed forensic audit report of the NDDC, alleging that it would expose how Amaechi’s wife handled funds meant for empowerment programs. “I ask Mr President to release the forensic audit of the NDDC, to make Amaechi’s wife explain how she spent N4 billion on training Niger Delta women,” Wike said. He further alleged that former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami suppressed the report, suggesting it was key to understanding how the NDDC funds were diverted.