Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that he does not respond to his “subordinates.”
Amaechi made the statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television while reacting to Wike’s claim that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar chose him as the ADC vice-presidential candidate because of his financial strength rather than his electoral value.
The FCT minister had made the allegation earlier in the day during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he described Amaechi as a “political liability” who lacked the capacity to deliver votes in Rivers State or the South-South region.
Responding to the comments, Amaechi dismissed the minister outright, insisting Wike was not on the same political pedestal as him.
“I’ve told you several times, I don’t respond to my subordinates,” Amaechi said.
When reminded that both men had served as governors and federal ministers, the former Minister of Transportation maintained his position, stressing that Wike had never been in a position to employ or appoint him.
“He never hired me,” he added.
Amaechi declined to engage further in the war of words, repeatedly urging the interviewer to focus on the purpose of his appearance on the programme rather than his long-running political rivalry with Wike.
“Please stop that. Focus on why I’m here. I’m here to discuss my faith. Don’t take me to politics,” he said.
The former Rivers governor explained that he was still mourning the death of his mother and was not prepared to exchange political blows at the moment.
He, however, signalled that he would not remain silent once the 2027 election campaign officially begins.
“By the time we finish mourning and we go into campaign, anybody who insults me, I will respond. You will get me when I’m ready. I’m not ready now,” he stated.
Amaechi said his decision to appear on the television programme was driven by concerns over what he described as the Presidency’s response to Catholic bishops following their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, he considered it necessary to speak out against what he viewed as attacks on the Christian community.
“What brought me here is simply to say, for me to leave the mourning of my mother to come out and say to the world, please ask Mr President to stop insulting the Catholic Church, to stop insulting Christians. That’s enough,” he said.
The latest exchange further deepens the long-running political feud between the two former Rivers State governors, with tensions expected to intensify as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
