Judith Amaechi Denies Wike’s Allegations of Receiving ₦4 Billion Monthly from NDDC
In a strongly worded statement, Judith Amaechi, wife of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, that she received ₦4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for her Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI). The allegations, which surfaced during an interview Wike granted in July 2025, have been described by Mrs. Amaechi as “false,” “baseless,” and a calculated attempt at political blackmail. The controversy has reignited tensions between Wike and Rotimi Amaechi, two prominent political figures with a history of rivalry stemming from their time as governors of Rivers State.
Wike’s Allegations and the Context
During the July 2025 interview, Wike alleged that Judith Amaechi’s ESI received ₦4 billion monthly from the NDDC to fund women’s training programs. He further claimed that a forensic audit report of the NDDC, which he urged President Bola Tinubu to make public, indicted Mrs. Amaechi for financial impropriety. Wike’s statements were part of a broader critique of the NDDC’s operations and his call for transparency in its financial dealings.
The claims, however, have been met with swift rebuttal from Mrs. Amaechi, who has challenged Wike to substantiate his allegations with evidence or face public accountability.
Judith Amaechi’s Response
In a statement issued on July 22, 2025, through her media aide, Dike Bekwele, Judith Amaechi categorically denied receiving any such funds from the NDDC. She described Wike’s accusations as a “figment of his imagination” and an attempt to tarnish her reputation for political gain. According to the statement, the ESI, a non-profit organization she founded in 2011, has been working transparently with the NDDC under formal memoranda of understanding (MoUs). These partnerships, she explained, focus on funding vocational training and entrepreneurial programs aimed at empowering youths and women in the Niger Delta region.
“ESI has never received ₦4 billion monthly or any such amount from the NDDC,” the statement read. “Our collaboration with the NDDC is guided by clear, accountable agreements designed to uplift the lives of Niger Delta people through skill acquisition and empowerment initiatives. Wike’s claims are not only false but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and score cheap political points.”
Mrs. Amaechi also addressed Wike’s reference to an unpublished NDDC forensic audit report, which he claimed indicted her. She challenged him to release the report to the public, stating, “If Wike is confident in his claims, let him publish this so-called audit report for all to see. If he cannot, he should resign and tender an unreserved apology to me and the people of Nigeria for spreading falsehoods.”
The Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI)
The ESI, established by Judith Amaechi in 2011, is a non-governmental organization focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of women and youths in the Niger Delta. The initiative has been recognized for its efforts in providing vocational training, entrepreneurial support, and educational programs. According to Mrs. Amaechi, the organization’s partnerships with the NDDC have always been above board, with funds allocated specifically for program implementation and not for personal enrichment.
The statement from her media aide emphasized that ESI’s financial dealings are transparent and subject to scrutiny. “Every project undertaken by ESI in collaboration with the NDDC is well-documented, and the funds are used strictly for the intended purposes of empowering our people,” it stated.
A Political Feud Rekindled
The dispute between Wike and the Amaechis is rooted in a long-standing political rivalry that dates back to their time as governors of Rivers State. Rotimi Amaechi served as governor from 2007 to 2015, while Wike succeeded him, governing from 2015 to 2023. Their rivalry has often played out in public, with both figures clashing over political influence in Rivers State and beyond. Wike’s recent allegations against Judith Amaechi appear to be an extension of this feud, with the NDDC claims serving as a new flashpoint.
Political analysts suggest that Wike’s remarks may be an attempt to undermine Rotimi Amaechi’s influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the broader political landscape, especially as the 2027 elections approach. However, Mrs. Amaechi’s swift and detailed response has shifted the spotlight back onto Wike, with her demand for the audit report placing him under pressure to provide evidence.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The allegations and subsequent rebuttal have sparked discussions on social media platforms, particularly on X, where users have expressed divided opinions. Some have called for the release of the NDDC forensic audit report to clarify the matter, while others view the dispute as a distraction from more pressing national issues. Posts on X also highlight the need for transparency in the operations of agencies like the NDDC, which has faced criticism over the years for alleged mismanagement.
As of now, Wike has not responded to Mrs. Amaechi’s challenge to make the forensic audit report public. The ball is now in his court, and the public awaits whether he will provide evidence to back his claims or retract them. For her part, Judith Amaechi has vowed to pursue legal action if necessary to protect her reputation and that of her organization.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Wike’s allegations and Judith Amaechi’s response underscores the complexities of political rivalries in Nigeria and the role of public institutions like the NDDC in such disputes. As calls for transparency grow louder, the public will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds and whether the truth behind the claims will come to light. For now, Judith Amaechi stands firm in her denial, challenging Wike to either prove his allegations or face the consequences of what she calls a malicious smear campaign.
