Rivers Women Blast Wike Over Claims Against Amaechi’s Wife

The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has fiercely rejected recent allegations made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Dame Judith Amaechi, former First Lady of Rivers State.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its acting president, Ichechi Welendu, the group described Wike’s comments as “unwarranted and malicious,” warning that such public utterances amount to “a disgraceful abuse of national platforms.”

Wike, during a television appearance, had claimed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was allegedly paying Dame Judith Amaechi ₦4 billion monthly to train Niger Delta women.

But RIVSWAN was quick to dismiss the allegations as a “concocted story fueled by personal vendetta and misinformation.”

“The entire allegation is not only laughable but an embarrassment to public discourse,” Welendu stated. “It reflects either a gross misunderstanding of the NDDC’s budgetary structure or a deliberate effort to smear the name of a respected woman of substance.”

The women’s group insisted that Wike’s accusations were nothing more than “baseless falsehoods driven by bitterness, ignorance, and a worrying lack of self-restraint,” urging Nigerians to ignore them.

Welendu highlighted Dame Amaechi’s longstanding humanitarian work, particularly through her NGO — the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) — which she said has made significant strides in promoting girl-child education and empowering women across the Niger Delta.

“Dame Judith Amaechi is a moral compass, a gospel preacher, and a champion of good governance,” the group declared. “Her support for her husband, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during his era of infrastructural transformation is well documented.”

RIVSWAN further condemned Wike’s comments as “a slap on the face of Rivers women,” stressing that the former first lady has selflessly used her personal resources to uplift countless lives and should not be subjected to public ridicule.

The association issued a challenge to Wike: either present documentary evidence to back his claims or retract the statement. “Failure to do so may lead to legitimate actions, including peaceful protests across Rivers State,” the group warned.

Calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, the association said Wike’s “unguarded utterances are unbecoming of a federal cabinet member” and must not go unchecked.

In conclusion, RIVSWAN reaffirmed its unwavering support for Dame Amaechi. “Her contributions helped restore Rivers State to its cherished status as the Garden City. We stand with her,” said Welendu.