The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has strongly condemned what it calls an “unwarranted and malicious attack” by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against Dame Judith Amaechi, former First Lady of Rivers State.
The backlash follows Wike’s recent remarks on a national television programme, where he alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was disbursing ₦4 billion monthly to Dame Amaechi for the training of Niger Delta women.
In response, Ichechi Welendu, RIVSWAN’s acting president, issued a statement rejecting the claims and accusing the minister of spreading misinformation.
“The entire allegation is not only laughable but an embarrassment to public discourse,” Welendu said.
“It reflects either a gross misunderstanding of the NDDC’s budgetary structure or a deliberate effort to smear the name of a respected woman of substance.”
Describing Wike’s claims as “baseless falsehoods driven by bitterness, ignorance, and a worrying lack of self-restraint,” RIVSWAN urged the public to dismiss what it called “a concocted story fueled by personal vendetta and misinformation.”
Welendu praised Dame Judith Amaechi’s record of service and highlighted her work through the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a non-governmental organisation focused on girl-child education and women’s empowerment across the Niger Delta.
The group stressed that the former First Lady had used her personal resources to uplift women and should not be “subjected to public ridicule based on unfounded accusations.”
They further criticized Wike’s remarks on live television, calling them a “slap on the face of Rivers women” and a “disgraceful abuse of national platforms.”
RIVSWAN went on to demand that the FCT Minister either present documentary evidence to back his allegations or formally retract the statement.
“Dame Judith Amaechi is a moral compass, a gospel preacher, and a champion of good governance,” the group declared.
“Her support for her husband, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during his era of infrastructural transformation is well documented.”
The association warned that if Wike fails to substantiate his claims, it may trigger “legitimate actions, including peaceful protests across Rivers State.”
They also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call Wike to order, describing his comments as “unguided utterances” and “unbecoming of a federal cabinet member.”
Reaffirming their support for Dame Amaechi, the women described her as a symbol of progress and leadership.
“Her contributions helped restore Rivers State to its cherished status as the Garden City. We stand with her,” Welendu concluded.
