Wike: Amaechi is angry because I’m called ‘Mr Project’

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, says Rotimi Amaechi, his predecessor, is upset that he is called “Mr. Project”.

Speaking on Monday during an interview on Rhythm FM, a Port Harcourt-based radio station, Wike criticised the minister of transportation over his recent comments on his administration.

Amaechi had reportedly taken a swipe at the ‘Mr. Project’ tag given to his successor.

Reacting, Wike described Amaechi’s criticism of his administration’s projects as “unfortunate”.

He said that his administration would continue “to deliver projects that would improve the living condition of the people”.

“His (Amaechi) anger is that I have been given the name, Mr Project,” Wike said.

“I came to serve the people. You are comparing your eight years with my two years. Anybody aspiring to be governor should be allowed to tell Rivers people what he wants to do. You (Amaechi) cannot be governor again.

“It is unfortunate that someone who was celebrating his 52nd birthday would tell Rivers people what is not correct.

“The immediate past administration abandoned projects by previous administrations. But we chose to complete projects that they abandoned.  We completed all the projects that will positively impact the lives of our people.

“We inherited N14.7bn as salaries and pensions from the Amaechi administration, which we cleared; N23.2bn loan from Zenith Bank was also inherited and cleared by us. Another agriculture loan obtained by that administration was cleared by my administration.”

The duo has been at loggerheads even before Wike assumed office.

During the state’s 50th-anniversary celebration, Wike included Amaechi among the awardees who have “distinguished themselves in the service of the state”.

But Amaechi rejected the award, describing it as a “poisoned chalice“.