Wike Demands Answers From Amaechi Over Reported $10m Mosquito Fumigation Deal

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has called on former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to explain the impact of a reported $10 million fumigation project allegedly executed during his time in office.

Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday, Wike addressed questions about his repeated criticism of Amaechi, who the supplied report describes as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate.

Wike rejected suggestions that he was unfairly targeting the former governor, saying anyone seeking to become Nigeria’s vice-president should expect their record in public office to come under public scrutiny.

He insisted that voters should be allowed to assess Amaechi’s past decisions and determine whether the claims surrounding his administration were justified.

“You can’t just want to run for a position without anybody telling you the past. So, let Nigerians judge if all these things are correct,” the minister said.

Wike then raised questions about a fumigation exercise reportedly undertaken under Amaechi’s administration, recalling the former governor’s promise to tackle mosquitoes and malaria in Rivers State.

“You told Rivers people that you’re going to fumigate the state so they won’t be suffering from malaria, and you paid 10 million dollars to a company in Cuba. Could you tell Nigerians what is the effect of that fumigation?” he asked.

The FCT minister also took issue with Amaechi’s allegations against President Bola Tinubu and members of the current administration, including his reported description of the president as a thief.

According to Wike, such accusations should not go unexamined, particularly when they concern a sitting president and could have wider implications.

He argued that Amaechi should be prepared to defend his own record rather than portray himself as an exemplary public servant while pursuing another political position.

Wike nevertheless maintained that he had no problem with Amaechi criticising Tinubu, but said the former governor must equally be willing to answer questions about his own conduct and public statements.

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