By John Umeh
Judith Amaechi, wife of former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly denied recent claims made by Nyesom Wike alleging that she received ₦4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a swift and firm rebuttal, Mrs. Amaechi described Wike’s accusation as “malicious, false, and politically motivated,” accusing the former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of deliberately peddling lies to tarnish her name and discredit her family.
Speaking through a statement issued by her media office, Judith Amaechi said, “At no time did I receive ₦4 billion monthly or any amount from the NDDC, whether directly or indirectly. This is a reckless fabrication designed to mislead the public and score cheap political points.”
She further challenged Wike to provide proof of the alleged transactions, insisting that his claim has no basis in fact or record. “Such falsehoods should not be tolerated, especially coming from someone who has held positions of high responsibility. Wike must be held accountable for his words,” she added.
The allegation, which surfaced during a recent media appearance by Wike, has stirred political controversy in Rivers State and beyond. Wike claimed that during Amaechi’s time as governor, his wife benefitted from monthly payments running into billions from the NDDC—an assertion many have now dismissed as unsubstantiated.
Supporters of the Amaechi family have rallied around Judith, describing the claim as another episode in Wike’s long-running political feud with her husband. Rotimi Amaechi and Wike, once allies, have been bitter rivals for years, with public spats frequently playing out in the media.
Legal experts have suggested that Mrs. Amaechi may consider legal action if the allegations are not withdrawn or substantiated. Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for calm, urging political leaders to focus on accountability and governance rather than personal attacks.
As the political atmosphere in Rivers continues to simmer, Judith Amaechi’s forceful denial has further widened the rift between two of the state’s most influential political families—once again putting the spotlight on the toxic mix of politics, power, and personal vendettas in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
