The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has responded strongly to comments made by his predecessor and political rival, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding respect and seniority.
According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, July 4, 2025, Amaechi—who served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari—had criticized Wike, accusing him of lacking respect and questioning his political relevance.
In a provocative remark, Amaechi challenged Wike to walk with him from Abuja to Port Harcourt to test their popularity among Nigerians.
The former Rivers State Governor also claimed seniority over Wike, implying that Wike owed him respect on that basis.
Responding during an interview on Channels Television, Wike dismissed Amaechi’s comments, saying that respect should not be based on age or seniority, but rather on character and principles.
“You should be respected by your integrity, honour, and not because you are 200 years old,” Wike fired back. “It is unfair for him to make the comment that he is my senior.”
Wike and Amaechi have remained fierce political foes despite once being allies in Rivers State.
Their rivalry has repeatedly spilled into the national spotlight, often attracting public attention and stirring debates within the political space.
The latest war of words underscores the deepening political rift between the two powerful figures as Rivers State continues to be a battleground for influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond.
