Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent comment about being “hungry,” accusing him of deceit and desperation for political relevance.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike dismissed Amaechi’s statement as misleading and insulting to ordinary Nigerians, arguing that Amaechi’s hunger is not for food but for power.
“At his 60th birthday, he chose to feed Nigerians lies,” Wike said. “He said he’s hungry — no, he’s just hungry for power. How do you insult Nigerians like that? After spending over 20 years in government, you now say you’re hungry?”
Wike ridiculed the claim, listing Amaechi’s lengthy career in politics: “He was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for another eight, and then a minister for nearly eight more. When did he ever complain about hunger? It’s only now, two years out of power, that he suddenly discovers hunger.”
The FCT Minister accused Amaechi of using hunger as a political tool, suggesting his comment was a veiled attempt to stir public sympathy and position himself for a return to power.
Wike also took aim at Amaechi’s political record, mocking his inability to produce a successor during his time as governor of Rivers State. “He was in power until 2015 and still couldn’t install a successor. Even the candidate he supported couldn’t win with dignity. And yet he claims to be a political heavyweight.”
He further criticised Amaechi’s public image, saying, “These are the same men who go on national TV pretending they don’t care about money. Nigerians keep overrating them.”
Amaechi, at his 60th birthday event on Friday, had stirred controversy by stating that Nigeria’s challenges stem not from its elite class but from the followership. He also expressed dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s economic structure, productivity, and direction.
“The elites are not the problem. It’s the followers,” Amaechi said. “We’re all hungry. If you’re not, I am. If we want to remove those in power, we can do it.”
Wike condemned the remarks, insisting that someone who has spent decades in top positions has no moral grounds to complain about hunger, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with real poverty.
“He’s not talking about food. He’s talking about power. That’s what he craves, and that’s why he can’t stay quiet,” Wike concluded.
