The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to recent remarks made by former governor Rotimi Amaechi, who claimed that those cooperating with his successor, Nyesom Wike, do so because they cannot withstand hunger, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement, the Secretary of the Rivers APC Caretaker Committee, Eric Nwibani, accused Amaechi of lacking the leadership qualities necessary to unite the party and repeatedly failing to secure election victories.
Nwibani said that their decision to work with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, despite his affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is driven by their commitment to support President Bola Tinubu.
Nwibani criticised Amaechi’s leadership, citing a tragic incident in 2019 during a presidential campaign rally where 16 people died in a stampede.
According to Nwibani, Amaechi failed to follow through on promises made to the families of the deceased.
He stated, “Amaechi has lost over 70 percent of his followership. I’m done working with Amaechi. Let me tell you the type of leader Amaechi is.
“In 2019, during the presidential campaign rally of President Buhari at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, 16 Rivers people died due to stampede.
“Three persons from Obio/Akpo and other LGAs of the State, Amaechi visited three families in Obio/Akpo and promised the families through their leaders that he would do something for the deceased families.
“But he didn’t turn up. That is the kind of leader Amaechi is.”
He questioned Amaechi’s ability to win future elections, stating, “How? You were a super minister and you couldn’t win the last election. Is it now that you are out of government that you can win an election?
Nwibani dismissed Amaechi’s statement that those working with Wike are hungry, pointing out the financial independence of several prominent party members, including Chief Victor Giadom, Ojukaye Flag Amachree, and Sampson Ngerigbari.
“Yes, Wike is a PDP man. But he is a Rivers son and is doing very well as an FCT minister working in the government of President Tinubu.
“We need to give him all the support he deserves. You cannot run a party aground and lose three consecutive elections due to ineffective leadership qualities and expect people to still follow you.”
Nwibani stated that Amaechi’s departure from the PDP to join the APC in 2014 was not met with hostility, questioning why Amaechi harboured bitterness after losing the 2023 election to President Tinubu.
“I and other members of our Exco are not hungry; I retired voluntarily from the Civil Service as a deputy director and I run my own firm, so I’m not hungry,” Nwibani said.
“I believe Amaechi made those comments because people are discussing Wike and Sim and he’s no longer in the conversation; that’s why. Let me say right now that we’re done following Amaechi’s ineffective leadership.”
