According to the FCT Minister, Dame Amaechi was receiving ₦4 billion a month from the Niger Delta Development Commission to teach Niger Delta women. The former First Lady of Rivers State, Dame Judith Amaechi, was the target of an "unwarranted and malicious attack" by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, which was denounced by the Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN).
In response to a recent accusation made by the FCT Minister on a national television program that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was paying Dame Amaechi ₦4 billion per month to train Niger Delta women, the group, through its acting president Ichechi Welendu, took action.
RIVSWAN characterized Wike's assertions as "baseless falsehoods driven by bitterness, ignorance, and a worrying lack of self-restraint" in a strongly worded statement. The group urged the public to ignore what it described as "a fabricated story driven by misinformation and personal vendetta."
Welendu declared, "The entire accusation is not only ridiculous, but an embarrassment to public discourse." "It either shows a serious ignorance of the NDDC's financial framework or a conscious attempt to discredit a well-respected and accomplished woman."
Welendu commended the legacy of Dame Judith Amaechi, pointing to her charitable endeavors through the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a non-governmental organization that has allegedly aided in women's empowerment and education for girls around the region.
The group argued that the former first lady shouldn't be publicly mocked for spending money to support women in the Niger Delta based on baseless charges.
Additionally, the group denounced Wike's live broadcast comments, calling them a "disgraceful abuse of national platforms" and a "slap on the face of Rivers women."
They urged the FCT Minister to either retract the statement or publicly display the supporting documentation for his assertions.
The group said, "Dame Judith Amaechi is a champion of good governance, a gospel preacher, and a moral compass." "It is well known that she supported her husband, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during his period of infrastructure development."
RIVSWAN cautioned that "legitimate actions, including peaceful protests across Rivers State," could result if Wike fails to provide evidence to support his claims. The group also warned that the Minister's "unguided utterances are unbecoming of a federal cabinet member" and urged President Bola Tinubu to take action.
The ladies concluded by reaffirming their support for Dame Judith Amaechi, calling her a matriarch of the Rivers women's movement and a "pillar of progress."
Her efforts made it possible for Rivers State to regain its beloved reputation as the Garden City. Welendu concluded, "We support her."
