Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh attack on former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, questioning his suitability for the vice presidency over his past handling of the judiciary in the state.
Wike also criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing the professional body of abandoning political neutrality and becoming partisan.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Taking aim at Amaechi, Wike urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking sensitive national offices, particularly those who present themselves as champions of democracy and the rule of law.
“Rotimi Amaechi, who wants to be Vice President today, once shut down the courts in Rivers State and caused a pregnant woman to give birth in prison,” Wike said.
The FCT minister argued that a political figure with such a record should not be entrusted with a high executive position, maintaining that past actions capable of undermining the judiciary should remain relevant when assessing political candidates.
Wike subsequently turned his attention to the NBA, accusing the association of taking sides in political matters rather than maintaining its traditional role as an independent defender of justice and constitutionalism.
“The Nigerian Bar Association has now taken sides politically. They are now a political party,” Wike declared.
He maintained that the NBA should preserve its institutional independence and avoid becoming involved in political contests or providing platforms that could be interpreted as partisan endorsements.
Wike’s comments further deepen his longstanding political rivalry with Amaechi, his successor as Rivers State governor, while also placing the NBA’s role in Nigeria’s political and legal discourse under renewed scrutiny.
