Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for referring to Wike as a 'child'.

Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show, Olayinka claimed that Wike "held the fort and faced fire" in Rivers State during a political crisis while Amaechi allegedly sought refuge in Ghana.

"When Amaechi ran to Ghana and was hiding under the wrapper of his wife, Wike was in Rivers, leading the charge to bring Amaechi back as governor," Olayinka stated. "When the Supreme Court gave the judgment that Amaechi should return as governor of Rivers State, he was in Ghana. Who went to Ghana to bring him back because he couldn't face the fire here? It was Wike. Wike stayed to face the fire."

Political Rivalry Intensifies

The exchange follows Amaechi's recent comment that he and other Nigerians were hungry under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Wike had dismissed this claim, suggesting that the former Minister of Transportation was only hungry for power, not food.

Irked by Wike's response, Amaechi reportedly said he does not join issues with children, a reference to his former Chief of Staff.

Olayinka countered by highlighting Wike's political victories over Amaechi: "This same person he called a child defeated him in 2015, in 2019, and in 2023. Since Wike and Amaechi parted ways, tell me one thing Amaechi has won politically. Give me one election Amaechi has won. He has not won a single election since then. Wike took the structure of the PDP from him."

FCT Projects Continue Despite Political Tensions

Olayinka emphasized that the renewed rivalry between Wike and Amaechi has not hindered the FCT Minister from performing his duties. He revealed that President Tinubu is scheduled to commission several projects completed under Wike's leadership between June 10 and July 3.

"Ten of those projects will be personally commissioned by the President. You play politics, but you also do your job. Politics has not affected the workings of the Minister, and you can attest to that. Wike is doing his job, and it's clear for all to see," he added.

The political history between Wike and Amaechi dates back to when Amaechi served as Rivers State governor for eight years, during which time Wike was his Chief of Staff. Their relationship has since deteriorated into one of the most prominent political rivalries in Nigerian politics.

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