The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has strongly condemned what it described as an “unprovoked and malicious attack” by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against Dame Judith Amaechi, former First Lady of Rivers State.
Speaking through its Acting President, Ichechi Welendu, RIVSWAN dismissed the allegation made by Wike on national television that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) pays Dame Judith ₦4 billion monthly to train women in the region.
The group described Wike’s statement as a “deliberate falsehood rooted in bitterness and misinformation,” urging the public to disregard what it called a “concocted narrative aimed at tarnishing the image of a woman who has contributed immensely to the development of the Niger Delta.”
Welendu praised Dame Judith’s long-standing efforts through her NGO, the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), known for promoting girl-child education and women empowerment across the region.
“To reduce such a track record to a baseless accusation is not only shameful but an insult to Rivers women,” she said.
RIVSWAN further expressed disappointment that such a statement was made on national television, labeling it “a disgraceful misuse of public platforms” and “a slap in the face of Rivers women.” The group challenged Wike to present evidence of his claim or publicly retract it.
“Dame Judith Amaechi represents dignity, integrity, and the spirit of service. Her work speaks volumes, and no amount of propaganda can erase her legacy,” RIVSWAN stated.
The group warned that failure to retract the allegation may prompt “legitimate actions, including peaceful demonstrations,” and called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the FCT Minister over what they described as “unguarded utterances unbecoming of a federal official.”
RIVSWAN reaffirmed its support for Dame Judith Amaechi, hailing her as “a pillar of progress and a matriarch of the Rivers women’s movement.”
“She helped restore the pride of Rivers State as the Garden City. We stand with her,” Welendu concluded.
