News
“Amaechi Not Hungry For Food But Power’ – Wike Fires Back At Ex-Minister
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of being “hungry for power, not food,” following Amaechi’s recent comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship.
Amaechi, while speaking at his 60th birthday celebration last week, decried the state of the economy, saying: “We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I am.
For us in the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power, we can remove him from this power.”
The former governor also criticised the Nigerian political class, claiming, “In Nigeria, there are no capitalist ideas among the politicians; it’s about sharing.”
However, Wike, who succeeded Amaechi as governor of Rivers State, dismissed the comment during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
“We have no time to listen to nonsense in Nigeria,” Wike said. “I don’t understand why a man like Amaechi would choose his 60th birthday to lie to Nigerians about being hungry.”
Highlighting Amaechi’s long history in government, Wike questioned his sincerity.
“He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, Governor from 2007 to 2015, and Minister from 2015 to 2023. He never spoke about hunger during those years. Why now?” the FCT Minister asked.
Wike went on to suggest that Amaechi’s comments were motivated by a desire to return to power rather than genuine concern for the people.
“Now they are regrouping. They are only hungry for power. This shows his failure,” Wike stated.
“How can you trivialise the issue of hunger? He joined Atiku and claimed hunger. It is clear he cannot stay out of power.
”He also took a jab at Amaechi’s political performance, referencing the 2019 elections.
“From 1999 to 2023, Amaechi stood before Nigerians and claimed hunger. He was a former governor who couldn’t secure even 25% for Buhari during elections, despite being the campaign DG,” Wike said.
Wike further praised himself as a political asset, aligning with President Bola Tinubu and dismissing suggestions of instability.
“I am not a liability; I am an asset. You may dislike me, but I am an asset in ensuring President Tinubu wins a second term,” he declared.
Commenting on Amaechi’s statement about “removing” those in power, Wike warned against what he described as inciting rhetoric.
“Let’s see how he plans to remove the president. Is it a military coup? The term ‘removal’ is synonymous with dictatorship or military coup.
“Nigerians remember what happened in 2015, and now he claims Nigerians are hungry,” he said.
Both Wike and Amaechi have had a storied rivalry, having served consecutively as governors of Rivers State.
While Amaechi was a two-term governor and later Minister of Transportation under Muhammadu Buhari, Wike served as Minister of State for Education and later became governor from 2015 to 2023 before joining the Tinubu administration.
A building has collapsed at 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos, Nigeria, sparking urgent rescue and emergency response efforts.
The incident occurred today, September 15 and emergency services have since been deployed to the scene. The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, and it remains unclear how many people may be trapped or injured.
Dr. Femi Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has urged members of the public and concerned relatives to contact him directly for verified information and updates regarding the ongoing situation.
Residents are strongly advised to steer clear of the area to allow emergency crews full access for rescue operations.
More details to follow as the story develops.
News
Abimbola Adebisi is new PPRO Lagos Command
Adebisi brings “a wealth of academic, professional, and operational experience” into her new role.
•Abimbola Adebisi
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi as the new Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babasayi Oluseyi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said Adebisi brings “a wealth of academic, professional, and operational experience” into her new role.
The new PPRO holds a BA (Ed) in English Language and Literature from Tai Solarin University of Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and a Master of Arts (MA) in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria.
Her appointment comes after the previous spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin was promoted to the position of the Force Public Relations Officer.
The statement further noted her professional training, “She has a Certificate in Child Protection from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, Ghana, alongside certifications in Human Rights, Human Psychology, and Conflict Management.“
She has equally attended the Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos.”
Image credit : Reuters
Guinness World Record on Monday officially confirmed Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, with a staggering total weight of 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).
Announcing the confirmation via X (formerly Twitter), Guinness World Records wrote: “New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
The feat was accomplished in partnership with food brand Gino at Victoria Island, Lagos, and has now been formally recognized by Guinness World Records.
Baci, who first rose to global fame with her headline-grabbing cook-a-thon in 2023, has once again placed Nigerian cuisine on the world stage with this remarkable achievement.
Ahead of the confirmation, Guinness World Records had sent her words of encouragement, reposting a video from the Friday event and writing:“What’s cookin’?
Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.
The record-breaking cooking event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, attracting a massive crowd of supporters, celebrities, and food enthusiasts who gathered to witness history being made.
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