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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr. Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for projects and expenditures incurred during his years in public office, including the controversial $39 million Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, the N68 billion monorail project and a malaria fumigation programme.

Wike also questioned Amaechi’s record after eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as governor and another eight years as Minister of Transportation.

The FCT Minister spoke during an interactive meeting with leaders and stakeholders in Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, where he responded to comments recently made by Amaechi on national television.

Wike challenged his former political ally to account for what he described as unresolved projects and expenditures from his tenure as governor.

He specifically asked what happened to the funds reportedly committed to the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital after the project was not completed.

The hospital project has previously been the subject of scrutiny in Rivers State, including an investigation by a judicial commission established by the Wike administration into the payment reportedly made to a contractor.

Wike also questioned the fate of the Rivers State monorail project, one of the major infrastructure schemes initiated during the Amaechi administration.

Turning to a malaria control initiative involving Cuba, Wike questioned the reported expenditure and its outcome.

“Ask him about the fumigation of Rivers State with people from Cuba in which $10 million was spent. Ask him whether mosquitoes have stopped biting us in Rivers State,” he said.

The minister said the issues should form part of any assessment of the records of political leaders who had occupied public office for extended periods.

Wike then challenged Amaechi to identify projects or political empowerment he attracted to his home area and Rivers State during his 24 years in top political positions.

“Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years; that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” he said.

Wike argued that leadership should be judged not only by positions occupied but also by the people empowered, projects delivered, and structures established to sustain development.

He said political leaders should create opportunities for others to rise rather than monopolise influence.

“Leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have left behind to continue with where you have stopped?” Wike asked, according to reports of his remarks.

The minister also criticised the use of personal and family tragedies in political arguments, urging politicians to separate private grief from political disagreements.

Wike further questioned claims of political influence in Rivers State, asking his audience to consider Amaechi’s electoral record since their political relationship ended.

“Since I left him in 2011, after 2011, mention one election that he has ever won in Rivers State,” he said.

The latest exchange adds to the long-running political rivalry between the two former Rivers leaders, who were once allies before becoming political opponents.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).