A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akindele Ayekooto, has claimed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, turned former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi into a "hungry man" by defeating him politically.

Ayekooto's comments on Wednesday came in response to Amaechi's recent interview where the former Transportation Minister referred to Wike as a "child" that he wouldn't like to join issues with.

Political Drama Unfolds

The controversy began during Amaechi's 60th birthday ceremony in Abuja, where he stated that both he and Nigerians are "hungry" under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

Wike quickly countered this claim, suggesting that Amaechi was only hungry for power, not food, as he doesn't lack financially. The FCT Minister also dismissed Amaechi's assertion that he was Wike's political boss.

In a Facebook post, Ayekooto escalated the confrontation by questioning Amaechi's characterization of Wike: "Amaechi, how can you call the man who pursued you from PDP, pursued you from APC and pursued you from Rivers politics a child? He defeated you as a sitting governor, defeated you as a sitting minister, and turned you into a hungry man."

Amaechi's Perspective

Amaechi had previously explained his reasons for appointing Wike as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as Rivers State governor. According to the former Transportation Minister, "I wanted him (Wike) as Chief of Staff so I could supervise him."

He further revealed that Wike had initially sought the position of Commissioner for Finance, but Amaechi declined this request, preferring to keep him under closer supervision.

The exchange highlights the ongoing bitter rivalry between the two prominent Rivers State politicians, whose conflict has shaped the political landscape of the state for years.

Political observers note that this public spat comes as political realignments continue ahead of future elections, with both men representing significant power blocs within Nigerian politics.