The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hit back at former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, over recent remarks about respect and seniority.
Amaechi, who is also a former Minister of Transportation, had earlier complained that Wike does not respect him despite being his predecessor. He went further to challenge Wike to a popularity test by walking from Abuja to Port Harcourt together.
In a sharp response during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Wike dismissed Amaechi’s claims, saying respect is not earned by age or position, but by one’s character.
“You should be respected by your integrity, honour, and not because you are 200 years old,” Wike said. “It is unfair for him to make the comment that he is my senior.”
The war of words between both politicians highlights the long-standing political rivalry between the two prominent figures from Rivers State. Wike served as Minister of State for Education under former President Goodluck Jonathan before succeeding Amaechi as governor in 2015.
Their rivalry has remained one of the most public and heated in Nigerian politics, often spilling into the media.
