The constant bickering between the Rivers state governor, Nyesome Wike and his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi has dominated the media for sometime now.
The relationship between the duo went from bad to worse recently when President Muhammadu Buhari listed Amaechi in the list of prospective ministers sent to the Nigerian Senate.
Despite repeated denials that he is not interested in whether Amaechi becomes a minister or not, Wike’s body language has shown that he is uncomfortable with Amaechi’s name on the list.
Below are 5 reason why Wike has taken such a stance.
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1. Fear of Victimisation: One major political rivalry that is prominent in Nigeria’s political firmament is between a sitting governor and a serving minister. Ministers are always called ”Abuja Politicians” and most times, their closeness to the powers that be at the centre makes the governors uncomfortable. Wike knows that Amaechi’s emergence as a minister will signal the commencement of another phase in their face-off which will no doubt be a distraction to him.
2. Display of Federal Might: In the history of Nigeria’s politics, some ministers use their position to manipulate federal institutions to go against their political opponents, who are mostly sitting governors, thereby undermining the governor’s political influence. Amaechi, being a typical politician, might be tempted to employ the use of these institutions to get back at Wike which will no doubt distract the governor.
3. Access to Funds: One of the reasons why political analysts have been clamouring for professionals in political offices is because unlike politicians, the professionals will focus on meeting the expectations of the president and indeed the Nigerian people. Most times, politicians who become a minister, use funds meant for projects under their ministry to prosecute political wars in their state and in the process it affects their performance in office. Wike is aware that if Amaehi tows this part, he will have so much to contend with.
4. Amaechi’s Probe Becomes Somewhat Null And Void: The enormous power a minister of the federal republic of Nigeria wields indicates that the Rivers state government probe of Amaechi’s activities in government will be null and void. As a minister, the former governor cannot be subjected to ridicule by the panel set up by Wike. As an ordinary citizen, it would have been easier to deal with Amaechi politically.
5. Morale Booster For Rivers APC: If Amaechi emerges as a minister, it will no doubt be a morale booster for the Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party was left bewildered following its heavy defeat in the governorship election earlier this year. But the appointment of Amaechi will rejuvenate the party as he is the leader of the party in the state.
Meanwhile, since the screening exercise, Amaechi has written three letters to the Senate pleading innocence of the allegations levelled against him.
The former governor said that all the allegations against him by his state senators and his predecessor are false.
credit:madailygist
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