Dame Judith Amaechi, wife of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has vehemently denied allegations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that she received ₦4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during her husband’s tenure. The statement was made in a press release issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Mrs. Amaechi described Wike’s claims as “false and baseless,” asserting that neither she nor her Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a non-profit organization she founded, had ever received such funds from the NDDC or any other government agency. “These allegations are a deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation and that of my family. At no point did I, or the ESI, receive ₦4 billion monthly or any such funds from the NDDC. These claims are fabricated and lack any shred of evidence,” she stated.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Wike during a public event in Abuja on July 15, 2025, where he alleged that Mrs. Amaechi was a beneficiary of massive monthly disbursements from the NDDC during her husband’s time as governor and minister. Wike, who succeeded Amaechi as Rivers State governor in 2015, claimed the funds were channeled through intermediaries to support political loyalists, a charge Mrs. Amaechi categorically refuted.

In her response, Mrs. Amaechi challenged Wike to provide proof of the alleged transactions, calling on the NDDC and relevant authorities to make public any records of such payments. “I urge those making these claims to substantiate them with verifiable evidence. My work with ESI has always been transparent, focused on empowering women and children through education and skills development, not personal enrichment,” she added.

The ESI, established in 2008, is known for its initiatives in providing scholarships, vocational training, and healthcare support for women and youths in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region. Mrs. Amaechi emphasized that the organization’s funding comes from private donations and grants, not public funds, and its financial records are open for scrutiny.

The exchange has reignited political tensions between the camps of Wike and Amaechi, who have been embroiled in a long-standing rivalry since Wike took over as governor. Political analysts suggest that Wike’s allegations may be linked to ongoing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections, with both figures maintaining significant influence in Rivers State politics.

The NDDC, in a brief statement on July 20, declined to comment directly on the allegations but noted that its financial transactions are subject to oversight by relevant government bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The agency urged anyone with evidence of financial impropriety to approach the appropriate authorities.

Supporters of the Amaechis have taken to social media platforms, particularly X, to defend Mrs. Amaechi, describing Wike’s claims as a smear campaign. Meanwhile, Wike’s allies have called for an investigation into NDDC’s disbursements during Amaechi’s tenure, insisting that the truth must be uncovered.

Mrs. Amaechi concluded her statement by reaffirming her commitment to her advocacy work, stating, “No amount of falsehood will deter me from serving the people. I remain focused on my mission to uplift the vulnerable in our society.” She also called for unity in Rivers State, urging political leaders to prioritize development over divisive rhetoric.

As of press time, Wike had not responded to Mrs. Amaechi’s rebuttal, and the controversy continues to generate heated discussions across Nigeria’s political landscape.