The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over what they described as "unguarded utterances" that are unbecoming of a federal cabinet member.
The women's group specifically condemned Wike's recent attack on Dame Judith Amaechi, the former First Lady of Rivers State, labeling his comments as "unwarranted and malicious."
The controversy stems from claims made by Wike during a national television appearance, where he alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was paying Dame Amaechi N4 billion monthly to train women from the Niger Delta region.
In a strongly-worded statement, RIVSWAN dismissed Wike's allegations as "baseless falsehood driven by bitterness, ignorance and a worrying lack of self-restraint." The group urged the public to disregard what they termed a "concocted story fueled by personal vendetta and misinformation."
"The entire allegation is not only laughable but an embarrassment to public discourse. It reflects either a gross misunderstanding of the NDDC's budgetary structure or a deliberate effort to smear the name of a respected woman of substance," the statement read.
Escalating Political Tensions
This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing political rivalry between Wike and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, which has continued to shape Rivers State politics even after both men have moved to federal positions.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from other quarters. In related developments, Deji Adeyanju, a political activist, has publicly stated that Amaechi is "too big to respond to Wike," offering instead to engage with the FCT Minister directly on the matter.
Meanwhile, an aide to Minister Wike has reportedly responded to Adeyanju's intervention with personal accusations against the activist.
The women's group's appeal to President Tinubu suggests an attempt to elevate the dispute to national attention, potentially seeking presidential intervention in what has become an increasingly bitter public exchange between political figures from Rivers State.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Presidency nor Dame Judith Amaechi has issued an official response to Wike's allegations or the women group's appeal.
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