I Made Wike Chief Of Staff So I Could Monitor Him Closely – Rotimi Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has opened up on why he appointed Nyesom Wike as Chief of Staff during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday night, Amaechi explained that he deliberately chose Wike for the role so he could keep a close eye on him.

According to the former governor, Wike had lobbied to be made Commissioner for Finance, but he rejected the request.

“I wanted him (Wike) as Chief of Staff so I could supervise him,” Amaechi said. “Adoke flew all the way from Abuja to Port Harcourt because Wike asked me to make him Commissioner for Finance. I said no — he has to work directly under me so I can monitor him.”

Amaechi, who also took a veiled swipe at his political rival, added: “I’m saying this because I don’t want to join issues with children. You know, he made himself Chief of Staff. He made himself governor. He made himself a minister. He made himself local government chairman.”