NEWS
EXPOSED: How Amaechi sold, embezzled funds from Rivers assets – Wike
On Wednesday, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike once again attacked his predecessor and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, saying the Federal Government has continued to shield him from prosecution.
According to him, Amaechi misappropriated proceeds from the sales of some the state assets.
Since leaving office in 2015, Amaechi has been the subject of corruption allegations by his successor Governor Ezenwo Wike. Wike accused him of using state funds to finance President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign during the 2015 presidential election through the sale of Rivers state-owned oil and gas assets, and fraudulently misappropriating the proceeds of the sale amounting to US$309 million.
Wike spoke at the inauguration of 6.1km long, 7.3m wide Omuihuechi-Omuoko-Omokiri link Road in Aluu Ikwerre Local Government Area on Wednesday.
He wondered why the Federal Government continued to protect Amaechi from prosecution for his alleged inability to account for $308 million from the sales of the state-owned power plant and other critical assets when he was Rivers Governor.
“People gave you opportunity. You sold our properties, everything. And people are talking in this state because of the government that says they are fighting corruption and protecting people.
“You (Amaechi) sold our property for $308 million and kept for us $208,000. That is the kind of people parading themselves in government, for a government that says they are fighting corruption, shame,” Wike said.
INEC declared Nyesom Wike winner of Rivers State governorship polls on Wednesday, 3 April 2019, after suspending the process for some days. Wike took his oath of office on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt as he commences his second term. In his address, he promised to put Rivers state first.