Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised his predecessor as Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his participation in the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Distinguished Personality Lecture Series of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Mocking Amaechi’s explanation for attending the protest, Wike questioned the rationale behind bringing his son, a medical doctor, to provide emergency care for demonstrators.
“The other day, some people went for a demonstration, and somebody said, ‘I brought my son here, who is a medical doctor in case anyone falls down,’” Wike said.
“Meanwhile, the child has no medical equipment with him. Meanwhile, there’s no ambulance there with him in case anybody slumps.”
The FCT Minister accused opposition figures of hypocrisy, saying many of those now demanding reforms were silent when they held positions of power.
“People are talking about electronic transmission today. Why are they not asking who were those responsible that there was no electronic transmission in the last election?” he asked.
“When they are out of office, they’ll be borrowing the people’s voice. When they are inside office, they won’t say anything.”
Amaechi had joined demonstrations at the National Assembly of Nigeria against the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
Explaining his decision, Amaechi said leaders should be physically present during major protests and stand with the people rather than observe from afar. He also alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress opposed the move due to fears of losing elections.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two political heavyweights, both of whom have played significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
