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| Wike, and Amaechi |
Abuja, Nigeria
In a bold and dramatic statement, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly release the long-awaited forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), claiming it contains damning evidence against his predecessor, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Friday, July 4, Wike alleged that the audit report reveals massive financial impropriety tied to Amaechi and his wife, Judith Amaechi. He further vowed to resign from his ministerial role if the released report does not indict the former Rivers State Governor.
“Amaechi’s wife was never an industrialist. Her company was receiving N4 billion every month to train Niger Delta women—that’s N48 billion in a year,” Wike alleged.
“The forensic audit report is there. Who buried it? [Former Attorney General] Malami. I plead with Mr. President to release that document. If it does not confirm what I’ve said, I will resign as Minister of the FCT. I don’t worship office.”
Wike insisted that his allegations are grounded in documented evidence, citing the audit commissioned during the Buhari administration. He expressed frustration that the report has remained hidden from the public, despite the enormous public funds allegedly misappropriated.
While he stopped short of claiming the audit is flawless, Wike maintained that Nigerians deserve to see the findings.
“Let Nigerians see the report. That is how Amaechi’s wife became an industrialist—N4 billion every month,” he stated.
The FCT Minister also used the platform to challenge Amaechi’s academic and political integrity. He questioned the former minister’s qualifications and credibility, dismissing claims that a senator gifted Amaechi a Rolls-Royce. Wike countered, alleging that the luxury car originated from a contractor handling almost 90% of the projects in Rivers State under Amaechi’s administration.
The political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, both former governors of Rivers State, has been longstanding and contentious. This latest development marks a significant escalation, with potential implications for anti-corruption efforts and political accountability in Nigeria.
As of press time, there has been no official response from Rotimi Amaechi or the Presidency regarding Wike’s claims or the status of the forensic audit report.
— Reported by NewsHouz
📹: @channelstelevision
