Wike Demands Amaechi Explain $308m Power Plant Sale
By Aboki Forex —
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has asked former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to explain what happened to the $308 million realised from the sale of Rivers State power plants during his tenure.
Wike spoke on Sunday at a town hall meeting with leaders, elders and stakeholders of Ogbakor Etche in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. He used the event to renew his attack on Amaechi's record and to urge Rivers people to support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The $308m question
Wike said Amaechi sold the gas turbine power stations for $308 million and demanded to know what Rivers people got from the transaction.
“Amaechi sold the gas turbine power stations for $308 million. Where is the money? What did Rivers people get from it?” Wike said.
“Rivers people are asking: what happened to the $308 million?” he added.
He pointed to a judicial panel of inquiry that previously investigated the sale of the power stations and indicted Amaechi. Wike said he challenged the panel's findings in court, but his case was dismissed by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Amaechi's record under fire
The minister criticised Amaechi's 16 years in public office, eight years as governor from 2007 to 2015 and eight years as Minister of Transportation. He said the period brought little real development to Rivers State.
Wike asked the people to judge politicians by what they build and deliver for their communities, rather than personal loyalty. He listed projects completed in the area during his own time as governor, including bringing a university campus to Etche and appointing local leaders to key positions.
2027 and Etche visit
Wike urged the people of Rivers State to support President Bola Tinubu's administration ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the federal government is focused on transparency, the rule of law and building infrastructure.
Before the meeting, Wike visited the family of the late traditional ruler Emmanuel Opurum, who passed away at 106. He promised government support for the funeral and pledged to support the family in the burial arrangements.