Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has firmly responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's assertion that he was never Wike's political boss, insisting that their professional relationship was indeed hierarchical.
During an interview with Arise News on Thursday, Amaechi was questioned about his current relationship with Wike. Rather than delving into personal matters, Amaechi emphasized the professional dynamic that once existed between them.
"I've told you this several times, subordinates. I was once his [Wike's] boss, whether he likes it or not. I hired him; I could have said no," Amaechi stated firmly.
Background of the Political Feud
The exchange follows Wike's recent media appearance in Abuja where he dismissed Amaechi's political influence. The FCT Minister claimed that Amaechi, despite serving as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign, failed to deliver Rivers State to former President Muhammadu Buhari in both the 2015 and 2019 elections.
The tension escalated when Arise Television anchor Reuben Abati described Wike as "rude" and emphasized that Amaechi was indeed Wike's political boss. This prompted a response from Wike's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who questioned how Amaechi could be considered Wike's boss.
Olayinka claimed that Wike had remained in Rivers State to help Amaechi retrieve his mandate after the latter allegedly fled to Ghana in 2007, suggesting this undermined any boss-subordinate relationship.
Long-Standing Political Rivalry
The ongoing feud between Amaechi and Wike has been a defining feature of Rivers State politics for years. Both men have held significant positions in the state and at the federal level, with Amaechi serving as Transportation Minister under the Buhari administration while Wike now serves as FCT Minister in the current government.
Their political rivalry has often spilled into public view, with each making claims and counterclaims about their political relationship and influence in Rivers State.
Political observers note that this latest exchange highlights the continuing tension between two of Rivers State's most prominent political figures, whose rivalry continues to shape the political landscape of the state.
