Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over his allegation that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies contributed to the death of his mother by making essential medication unaffordable.
Wike described Amaechi’s claim as unfortunate, questioning how the former governor, who held several influential political positions, could not afford the medication his late mother needed. He also accused him of using his mother’s death to advance political arguments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The FCT minister made the remarks during a visit to the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Amaechi Blames Tinubu’s Economic Policies for Mother’s Death
Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, had accused the Tinubu administration’s economic policies of contributing to the death of his mother, Mary Amaechi, who died on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89.
The former governor made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he criticised the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
According to Amaechi, his mother was in good health before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. However, the rising cost of medication following the introduction of the economic reforms made it increasingly difficult for him to provide the drugs she required.
“The policies Tinubu introduced are killing people. I lost my mother because of the policies. We have lost people. President Tinubu’s policies killed my mother,” Amaechi said.
He further explained that the increasing cost of healthcare had placed considerable financial pressure on him despite his efforts to ensure his mother received the necessary treatment.
“Before Tinubu became President, my mother was healthy. Suddenly, when Tinubu came, it became difficult to buy drugs for my mother. I did the best I could in taking care of my mother,” he added.
Amaechi’s comments formed part of his broader criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, which he argued had significantly increased the cost of living for Nigerians.
Wike Questions Amaechi’s Inability to Afford Medication
Reacting to the allegation, Wike questioned Amaechi’s claim that he could not afford his mother’s medication, pointing to the powerful political positions the former governor occupied over more than two decades.
Wike highlighted Amaechi’s political career, noting that he served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.
The FCT minister argued that Amaechi’s political influence and connections should have enabled him to seek financial assistance if the cost of his mother’s medication had become overwhelming.
“And your mother was sick, and you are telling the whole world that because of the policy of Tinubu, you couldn’t buy drugs for your mother, and so your mother died,” Wike said.
He also questioned why Amaechi did not seek financial support from his wife, whom he described as an industrialist, or other influential individuals within his political circle.
“But you have told the world that your wife is an industrialist. Yet, your industrialist couldn’t give you money to buy drugs for your mother?” Wike asked.
Wike’s comments focused on Amaechi’s personal circumstances and his ability to access financial assistance, challenging the former governor’s argument that the economic reforms were responsible for his mother’s inability to receive affordable medication.
Wike References Amaechi’s Mother’s Burial
The FCT minister also referred to the presence of prominent political figures at Mary Amaechi’s burial, questioning why the former governor did not seek assistance from influential associates while his mother was still alive.
Wike recalled the attendance of political figures who reportedly arrived in private jets to pay their last respects to Amaechi’s mother.
“Look at who came with all the private jets to bury a woman whom you could not buy drugs for because you were taking care of other people,” Wike said.
He questioned why Amaechi did not approach those influential associates for financial assistance to support his mother’s medical treatment.
“You didn’t tell them, ‘My mother was sick. Can you help me? Give me money. Let me buy drugs,’” the minister added.
Wike’s remarks further escalated the political disagreement between the two former Rivers State governors, who have remained prominent figures in the state’s political landscape.
Wike Accuses Amaechi of Bringing His Late Mother Into Politics
Beyond questioning Amaechi’s financial circumstances, Wike accused the ADC vice-presidential candidate of bringing his late mother into political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The FCT minister referred to Amaechi’s reported comment that his mother would have been happy if the ADC won the forthcoming presidential election.
Wike criticised the statement, arguing that Amaechi was using his late mother’s memory to support his political ambitions.
“In one of the videos, he said, ‘If ADC wins the election, his mother will be very happy.’ So the only condition is that their mother will not be happy if ADC does not win,” Wike said.
He further expressed disappointment over what he described as the politicisation of a family tragedy.
“You are the one who said your mother would be happy if ADC wins. How can you bring a loved one, who is old, to play politics?” he queried.
“It’s really unfortunate. It’s really unfortunate. People can stoop so low to use their mother to play politics,” Wike added.
The minister maintained that Amaechi’s statements were inappropriate, particularly given the sensitive nature of his mother’s death.
Amaechi Criticises Impact of Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Amaechi’s allegation against Tinubu is part of his wider criticism of the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the changes to the foreign exchange system.
Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in May 2023, describing the reform as necessary to reduce the financial burden on government revenue.
The Federal Government has consistently defended the policy, arguing that the resources previously spent on subsidising petrol could instead be channelled towards infrastructure, public services and other development priorities.
However, the removal of the subsidy has been accompanied by increased transportation costs and wider concerns about the rising prices of food, essential commodities and healthcare.
Amaechi argued that the economic reforms have placed additional pressure on ordinary Nigerians, making it increasingly difficult for many households to meet basic needs, including access to essential medicines.
The Tinubu administration has introduced several measures, including cash transfer programmes and compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives, which it says are designed to reduce the financial impact of the reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.
Nevertheless, the reforms remain a major subject of political debate, with opposition figures questioning their impact on household incomes, living standards and access to essential services.
Amaechi’s Mother Dies at 89
Mary Amaechi, the mother of the former Rivers State governor, died on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89.
Her death attracted condolences from prominent political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who described her as a woman whose life reflected faith, sacrifice and service.
Amaechi’s remarks about the rising cost of medication have since brought renewed attention to the economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly the affordability of healthcare and essential medicines.
The exchange between Wike and Amaechi has also added another dimension to the political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both figures expressing sharply contrasting views on the Tinubu administration’s economic policies.
While Amaechi maintains that the rising cost of medication contributed to his mother’s death, Wike has challenged his account, questioning his financial circumstances and accusing him of politicising the loss.
The disagreement highlights the growing political tensions surrounding the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms as opposition figures intensify their criticism ahead of the next general election.
