The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, saying he is not fit to become Nigeria’s Vice President because of his alleged past actions against the judiciary.

Wike also accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of abandoning its traditional role of defending justice and the rule of law in favour of political interests.

The minister spoke on Wednesday during his monthly media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wike asked Nigerians to look closely at the records of politicians who present themselves as defenders of democracy and the rule of law before giving them important public offices.

He said, “Rotimi Amaechi, who wants to be Vice President today, once shut down the courts in Rivers State and caused a pregnant woman to give birth in prison.”

Wike said such an alleged record should be considered when judging politicians seeking senior executive positions.

He also criticised the NBA over what he described as its involvement in politics.

“The Nigerian Bar Association has now taken sides politically. They are now a political party,” he said.

Concerning the 2027 presidential election, Wike said he would not sit back and allow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to win.

Wike also denied reports that he planned to move from Abuja back to Rivers State.

He explained that his frequent trips to the state were meant to keep in touch with his people and follow political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is not about relocating; it is about coming home to relate with the people and talk to them, and also do those things you know how to do very well, not to take chances.

“I’m not relocating. I don’t need to relocate, but I also have to be in touch with my people so that I don’t just sit in Abuja and then say that everything is going on there well,” he said.

The minister said he could not depend only on political associates to tell him that everything was going well in Rivers State.

Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged increased government support for grassroots sports development, saying sustained investment in youth sports can help reduce crime while improving the physical, mental and economic well-being of young people.

The governor made the commitment during the closing ceremony of the 17th Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in Ilorin.

Read Also: “God Has Blessed Nigeria With Abundant Talent” — Ahmed Musa Backs Grassroots Football With ₦1.8m Reward | Sports247 Nigeria

Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, AbdulRazaq said his administration would strengthen its sponsorship and active participation in future editions of the competition.

The governor stressed that keeping youths actively engaged in sports would provide a positive avenue for them to develop their abilities while keeping them away from criminal activities.

“Keeping young people actively engaged in sports would help reduce crime while promoting their physical, mental and economic well-being,” the governor said.

He also highlighted the importance of properly structured grassroots programmes in identifying talented athletes and creating pathways for them to secure professional contracts with major clubs.

Mogaji, who represented the governor at the event, commended YSFON for introducing the female category, describing sports as one of the strongest unifying forces across communities and cultures.

He said the inclusion of the women’s competition, now in its second year, demonstrates the importance of gender inclusivity in grassroots sports development.

Mogaji also praised Commissioner of Police CP Adekimi Ojo and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) for their partnership and support towards the successful staging of the tournament.

On the field, Future Stars FA emerged champions of the U-17 Boys category after defeating Koller FC 3-2 in an entertaining final.

Future Stars completed a boys’ double after also defeating UNIPES FA 2-0 to claim the U-13 title.

In the U-17 Girls category, Kwara United Queens secured the championship with a convincing 4-0 victory over Model Queens FC.

The results brought the 17th edition of the YSFON Commissioner of Police Cup to a colourful conclusion, while reinforcing the growing importance of grassroots competitions in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of sporting talents.