Paragraph 1: The Allegation and the Denial
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s wife, Judith Amaechi, has vehemently denied allegations of receiving N4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The accusation, leveled by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike during a Channels Television interview, claimed that Mrs. Amaechi received these funds through her non-governmental organization, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI). Mrs. Amaechi, speaking through her media aide, Dr. Dike Bekwele, dismissed the claim as baseless, wild, and unfounded, challenging Wike to produce evidence from the NDDC forensic audit report to support his assertion.
Paragraph 2: The Challenge and the Stakes
Mrs. Amaechi’s response goes beyond a simple denial; it directly challenges Wike’s credibility and ministerial position. She demands that he publicly release his purported version of the forensic audit report implicating her or the ESI. Failing this, she insists Wike should fulfill his earlier promise to resign as FCT Minister if his claim proves false, accompanied by a public apology to the nation. This bold stance transforms the allegation into a high-stakes showdown, putting the onus on Wike to substantiate his accusations or face serious consequences.
Paragraph 3: Unpacking the Allegations and the Response
Wike’s allegation, delivered during what Mrs. Amaechi’s statement describes as one of his “cyclic, hysteric, poor and recurring live television outings,” has sparked considerable public interest and calls for clarification. While the statement acknowledges the potential damage to Mrs. Amaechi’s reputation, it emphasizes the need to set the record straight for the Nigerian public. The statement criticizes Wike’s approach as lacking decency and precision, motivated by political point-scoring rather than factual accuracy.
Paragraph 4: Mrs. Amaechi’s Categorical Denials and Clarifications
The statement presents a series of clear and unequivocal denials: Mrs. Amaechi refutes ever receiving N4 billion from the NDDC, either personally or through the ESI. The statement further clarifies the ESI’s legitimate status as a registered NGO since 2011, emphasizing its established partnerships with various development organizations, including the NDDC. This partnership, according to the statement, focused on jointly funding human capacity development programs for youth and women in the Niger Delta region, a collaboration conducted transparently and with mutual satisfaction.
Paragraph 5: The Forensic Audit Report and the Counter-Narrative
Mrs. Amaechi’s statement directly addresses the core of Wike’s allegation: the unpublished NDDC forensic audit report. It deems Wike’s claim of her indictment in the report preposterous, arguing that it’s impossible to be implicated in a document that remains inaccessible to the public. The statement highlights the absurdity of Wike’s assertion, portraying it as a fabrication stemming solely from his imagination. This underscores the challenge posed to Wike to provide concrete proof from the report, a challenge that, if unmet, further weakens his credibility.
Paragraph 6: A Broader Critique of Wike’s Conduct
Beyond addressing the specific allegations, Mrs. Amaechi’s statement extends its criticism to Wike’s overall conduct. It accuses him of damaging Nigeria’s international image through his “uncouth and uncultured attitude,” suggesting that this behavior could deter foreign investment. This broadens the scope of the conflict, framing Wike’s actions not just as a personal attack on Mrs. Amaechi but also as detrimental to the nation’s interests. This concluding critique further raises the stakes, portraying the dispute as a matter of national importance beyond a political squabble.
