In a startling revelation during an end-of-year gathering with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Nigerian politicians of exploiting his name to siphon funds from the ₦600 billion reportedly held in the Rivers State coffers.
The disclosure came after Speaker Martins Amaewhule inadvertently revealed the substantial sum during a public statement, sparking a frenzy among political actors.
Wike, known for his forthright approach to political discourse, expressed frustration over the misuse of his influence. “Nigerian politicians like Rivers money,” he stated emphatically, pointing out that since Amaewhule’s revelation, there has been a surge in attempts to leverage his name for personal gain.
“Now everybody is using my name to collect from someone,” he added, referring to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the current head of the Rivers State government.
The minister detailed a pattern of exploitation where his name is being invoked in various contexts to justify financial demands. “Everybody they put in the front page, ‘They adopted so-so person, they collect.’ ‘He’s in this committee, they collect.’ ‘President is happy with you, they collect.’ ‘Wike didn’t see the president, they collect,’” Wike lamented, illustrating the breadth of the issue.
This development has intensified the already tense political climate in Rivers State, where Wike and Fubara have been at odds since the latter’s ascension to the governorship.
The revelation of such a large sum in the state treasury has apparently become a focal point for political maneuvering, with Wike suggesting that the mistake of publicizing the figure has led to widespread opportunism.
Wike’s comments also hint at a broader critique of political practices in Nigeria, where personal connections and influential names are often used to secure financial advantages.
His remarks have reignited discussions on transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics, especially concerning state finances.
As the political landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve, with indications of fresh battles looming in 2026, Wike’s latest statements add another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga.
The minister’s assertion that politicians are using his name to “eat” from the ₦600 billion has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into the allegations and a reevaluation of how state funds are managed and disclosed.
The Rivers State government has yet to respond officially to Wike’s claims, but the issue is expected to dominate political conversations in the coming weeks, especially as the state prepares for what many anticipate will be a contentious political season.
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