Wike Accuses Amaechi of Shutting Rivers Courts, Says Pregnant Woman Gave Birth in Prison

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi of shutting down the state’s judiciary during his tenure, alleging that the situation led to a pregnant woman giving birth while in prison.

Wike made the allegation on Wednesday during his monthly media parley with selected journalists in Abuja, where he criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for giving Amaechi a platform at its recently concluded annual conference in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi, who governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, is currently the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Wike alleged that the former governor’s administration closed the state’s courts, leaving people in detention without access to judicial proceedings. He cited the case of a pregnant woman who, he claimed, gave birth in prison during the period.

The FCT minister questioned the decision to provide Amaechi with a platform at the NBA conference, arguing that people who have previously taken actions against the judiciary should be held to account for such conduct.

Wike said the same standard should apply to him if, as FCT minister, he attempted to shut down the courts in the nation’s capital. He argued that such an action would make it difficult for him to justify receiving a platform to defend it.

The comments further deepen the political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, two former governors of Rivers State who have remained on opposing sides of the state’s political divide.

With the 2027 elections approaching, their renewed exchanges are likely to keep Rivers State at the centre of political debates, particularly as opposition parties position themselves against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).