Wike Challenges Amaechi to Account for $308m Power Plant Sale

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to explain how the $308 million proceeds from the sale of state-owned power plants were utilised 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, where he criticised Amaechi’s record as governor and later as Minister of Transportation.

The minister questioned the circumstances surrounding the sale of the state’s gas turbine power stations for $308 million and asked what the people of Rivers State gained from the transaction.

Wike also referred to the Justice Omereji Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the transaction and reportedly indicted the former governor. Amaechi challenged the commission’s findings in court, but the case was dismissed by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Beyond the power plants, Wike questioned what Amaechi achieved for Rivers residents during his eight years as governor between 2007 and 2015. He also criticised his former predecessor’s eight-year tenure as Transportation Minister, asking him to identify people from the area who benefited from opportunities during his time in office.

The FCT minister urged residents of Etche to assess politicians based on their records and the benefits they had brought to their communities rather than personal loyalty or political survival.

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 among what he described as outcomes of political engagement. He also mentioned the appointments of Senator Allwell Onyesoh and House of Representatives member Kelechi Wogu.

He said political participation should be centred on development, opportunities and improved living conditions for communities.

Wike also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and urged Rivers residents to support the President ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the administration’s focus on infrastructure, accountability, due process and development provided a basis for continued political alignment.

The minister argued that political support should be based on programmes and tangible outcomes rather than individual relationships, adding that public officials should be held accountable for the management of public resources.

He further urged residents of the region to assess politicians by their records in office and the opportunities created for the people.

The town hall meeting came after Wike and other political stakeholders visited 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.

Wike pledged to support the deceased’s family with arrangements for his burial.