Dame Judith Amaechi, wife of former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has denied receiving N4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
She labeled the claim by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as false, baseless, and politically motivated.
Wike made the accusation during a televised interview, alleging that Mrs.
Amaechi collected the funds for empowerment initiatives through the NDDC. He also demanded President Bola Tinubu release the NDDC forensic audit report.
Amaechi Reacts Swiftly
Mrs. Amaechi, through a statement by her media aide Dike Bekwele on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, rejected the allegations.
She insisted she never collected such funds personally or through her NGO, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI).
“There is no iota of truth in Wike’s claim. Neither I nor ESI ever received N4 billion monthly from the NDDC,” she said.
NGO Defends Its Records
She explained that ESI, which began operations in 2011, partners with development agencies under signed agreements.
These projects focus on empowering women and youth in the Niger Delta through verified training and entrepreneurship programs.
“Every collaboration with NDDC followed due process and was publicly documented,” she stated.
No Evidence of Indictment
Mrs. Amaechi also refuted claims of any wrongdoing in the NDDC forensic audit.
She stressed that the report remains unpublished and challenged Wike to show any portion that implicates her or ESI.
“It’s absurd to speak of an indictment from a report Nigerians haven’t seen. Wike should stop misleading the public,” she said.
Demands Public Apology
She called on Wike to withdraw the statement, apologize publicly, and resign as Minister of the FCT. She accused him of spreading falsehoods that damage Nigeria’s image globally.
“Wike’s false claims harm Nigeria’s reputation, especially at a time we’re working to attract global investors,” she warned.