Barely 12 hours after former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, declared that he would not “want to join issues with children,” the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appeared to issue a silent rebuttal by embarking on a project inspection alongside schoolchildren in Abuja.
Wike, who is also a former Governor of Rivers State, was seen with a group of enthusiastic schoolchildren inspecting the ongoing road construction project in the Gishiri area of Katampe District on Wednesday. The symbolic gesture, coming on the heels of Amaechi’s remarks, has sparked interpretations among political observers as a veiled response to his longtime political rival.
The road inspection, initially a routine check on infrastructure progress, took on added significance with the unexpected participation of the children. Wike did not directly refer to Amaechi during the event but smiled as reporters asked questions about the children’s presence. “These children are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is important they understand the value of good governance and accountability,” he said.
The development follows a war of words between the two political gladiators who have a long-standing rivalry rooted in Rivers State politics. During his 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, Amaechi had criticised the current state of the economy and declared that he and others in the opposition were prepared to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I’m. For us, the opposition—if you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him from this power,” Amaechi declared at the event, drawing strong reactions across the political spectrum.
In response, Wike dismissed Amaechi’s statements as driven by political ambition rather than genuine concern for the people. “Two years after he left office and as a member of the coalition, he is talking about hunger. He is just hungry for power,” Wike retorted during a media interaction earlier in the week.
He also criticised Amaechi for remaining silent during his tenure in government, accusing him of lacking the moral authority to now criticise the system he once served. “Where was his voice when he held sway as transportation minister? Suddenly, he has found his voice after losing power,” Wike added.
The strategic inclusion of schoolchildren in a federal infrastructure tour seemed to underscore Wike’s intent to frame himself as a minister focused on youth and national development, in contrast to Amaechi’s criticisms. Political analysts view the move as Wike’s characteristic use of symbolism and public imagery to make subtle political statements.
While neither of the two former governors mentioned each other by name during their most recent public appearances, the messages have not been lost on their supporters. As the rivalry between Amaechi and Wike simmers, the public awaits how this renewed political face-off will shape the broader discourse ahead of 2027.
