Judith Amaechi Rejects Wike’s Allegations of Receiving N4bn from NDDC.

Judith Amaechi, wife of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly refuted claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that she received N4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through her NGO, the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI).

Speaking through her media aide, Dr. Dike Bekwele, Mrs. Amaechi described Wike’s accusations as completely false, baseless, and politically motivated. She challenged Wike to publish his version of the NDDC forensic audit report, which he claimed contained evidence against her or her NGO. According to her, if Wike fails to back up his statements with facts, he should resign from his position and publicly apologize to Nigerians.

Wike had made the allegations during a television interview, urging President Bola Tinubu to release the NDDC audit report and promising to resign if his claims weren’t substantiated in it.

Mrs. Amaechi’s statement accused Wike of engaging in a public smear campaign rather than presenting verifiable facts, stating that his claims lacked any sense of responsibility or factual accuracy.

The statement emphasized that the ESI, founded in 2011 and properly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, has operated transparently in partnership with development agencies like the NDDC. It highlighted that their collaboration involved jointly funding empowerment and skills training programs for youths and women in the Niger Delta, not the alleged siphoning of funds.

Mrs. Amaechi dismissed the claims as part of a broader pattern of Wike’s recurring political outbursts and personal attacks aimed at discrediting perceived opponents. She urged him to stop degrading national discourse and tarnishing Nigeria’s image, especially in ways that could deter foreign investors.

The statement concluded by reiterating that no part of the NDDC forensic audit has ever implicated Mrs. Amaechi or ESI, and warned Wike against making reckless statements without evidence.