Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for inviting former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to its 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

Wike recalled that Amaechi, during his tenure as Rivers State governor, allegedly kept the state’s courts shut for almost two years amid a dispute over the appointment of a Chief Judge.

“NBA invited Rotimi Amaechi, who locked up the courts in Rivers for almost two years during his administration,” Wike said.

The dispute over the Rivers State judiciary during Amaechi’s administration has been documented in reports, with accounts stating that the courts remained closed during the final years of his tenure over disagreements surrounding the appointment of a Chief Judge.

Wike’s remarks come amid renewed political exchanges involving the former governor and the Rivers State government.