Judith Amaechi, wife of Nigeria’s former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has refuted allegations made by the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, claiming she received ₦4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for women empowerment and training initiatives.
Judith dismissed Wike’s accusation as “absurd and baseless,” further describing it as an attempt at “subtle blackmail” for political advantage. The allegations surfaced earlier in July 2025 during a media interview in which Wike alleged that Judith had benefited from a total of ₦48 billion in NDDC funds under the guise of training Niger Delta women through her NGO, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI).
The two political figures, Wike and Amaechi, share a complex history. Both served as governors of oil-rich Rivers State, with Amaechi in office from May 2007 to May 2015, and Wike succeeding him immediately after. Once political allies, the relationship between them has since soured, devolving into public squabbles and mutual accusations.
Judith’s response to the claims came in a statement issued on Tuesday through her spokesperson, Dike Bekwele. In it, she unequivocally denied receiving the alleged funds and rejected any insinuation of wrongdoing or involvement in any corruption probe.
“Dame Amaechi did not and has never received four billion naira monthly payments (₦4,000,000,000.00) from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,” the statement read.
The statement clarified that the partnership between the NDDC and ESI was built on mutual support aimed at enhancing human capital development in the Niger Delta region. According to Judith, the ESI has worked collaboratively with the NDDC to support youth and women entrepreneurs by funding nano, micro, and small enterprises as well as organizing training programs through its development centre.
Judith further rejected Wike’s claim that she was named in a forensic audit of the NDDC, pointing out that such a report has not been made available to the public.
“It will be preposterous for Wike to allege that the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) or Dame Judith Amaechi was indicted in the NDDC forensic audit report, which has not been published to the Nigerian Public. It is both absurd, baseless, and a mere figment of Mr. Wike’s imagination,” the statement continued.
Judith then issued a challenge to Wike, urging him to release the specific section of the audit report that allegedly indicts her or her organization. She demanded that in the absence of such evidence, Wike should honorably resign from his ministerial post and issue a public apology.
“In the likely event that Wike fails to provide such report, then we challenge Mr. Wike to actuate his boast and make bold to tender his resignation as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, forthwith with an unreserved apology to the Nation,” the statement concluded.
What You Should Know
Judith Amaechi, through her NGO, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), has long engaged in developmental programs for women and youth in the Niger Delta.
The recent controversy stems from political tensions between her husband, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nyesom Wike, both former governors of Rivers State. Judith has demanded proof of any alleged NDDC-related wrongdoing and challenged Wike to resign if he cannot substantiate his claims.
