Chief Eze Blasts Chidi Wihioka Over Allegations Against Amaechi

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has again come to the defence of former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, dismissing recent allegations by former lawmaker, Elder Chidi Wihioka.

Wihioka had alleged that Amaechi denied Rivers State the opportunity of hosting the Dangote Refinery, claiming the former governor demanded personal benefits from Aliko Dangote before approving land for the project.

Reacting in a strongly worded statement made available to the media on September 8, 2025, Chief Eze described the allegations as “baseless, malicious and a desperate attempt to revive Wihioka’s drowning political image.”

According to Eze, concerned citizens have continued to express outrage over the claims, with many describing them as false, discourteous, and politically motivated.

Quoting Amaechi’s own clarification, Eze explained that the refinery project was already underway in Lagos before Dangote approached him for land in Rivers State for a gas plant. Amaechi, he said, willingly allocated land opposite the Onne Seaport but the businessman never returned to develop it.

“I never asked him for anything. Gave him land opposite the Onne seaport. He had already commenced construction of the refinery in Lagos but wanted land for a gas plant,” Amaechi was quoted as saying.

Eze also cited the reactions of several Rivers leaders, political stakeholders, and civil society voices who condemned Wihioka’s remarks, describing them as politically motivated attacks against a benefactor.

Among them, Chief Bob Wali urged Amaechi to personally respond to the allegations to avoid reputational damage, while others accused Wihioka of pursuing contracts and political favour at the expense of truth.

Several commentators recalled Amaechi’s past contributions to Rivers State, including bringing the NLNG headquarters to Port Harcourt, initiating the Greater Port Harcourt project, attracting the Songhai Farms, and securing Rivers’ designation as World Book Capital.

Eze further alleged that Wihioka mismanaged opportunities granted to him by Amaechi, including his tenure in the House of Representatives and as head of the Road Maintenance Agency, accusing him of indulging in frivolities rather than public service.

Concluding his statement, Eze said while he is not against anyone leaving Amaechi politically, he will continue to “descend heavily” on those who benefitted from the former governor’s goodwill but now malign him for political gains.

The APC chieftain signed off by stressing that Amaechi remains focused and resilient despite efforts to undermine his political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.