Media personality and political analyst, Reuben Abati, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tread carefully in his dealings with the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Abati said this while appearing on Arise TV, where he delivered a scathing critique of Wike’s character and political behavior. According to him, Wike has a history of disrespecting those who helped him rise in politics. He warned that President Tinubu could also fall victim to the minister’s sharp tongue.
Reuben Abati began by reacting to comments made by Wike during a recent media chat held on Monday, June 3. In that session, Wike took a jab at former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. He accused Amaechi of making “politically motivated” remarks about the growing hunger crisis in Nigeria.
Responding to Amaechi’s concerns about the suffering of Nigerians, Wike stated bluntly: “Now that they are out of power, they say they are hungry. It’s not hunger for food. It’s hunger for power.”
Abati did not take the comment lightly. He described it as a display of arrogance and ingratitude.
“I think that Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics,” Abati said.
He explained that Wike’s political career started with the help of Amaechi.
“When he was local government chairman… or was it councillor during Amaechi’s second term, it was Rotimi Amaechi that helped him to become local government chairman,” Abati said.
Abati also reminded viewers that it was Amaechi who later recommended Wike for higher political offices, including Chief of Staff and Minister of State for Education under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Wike’s Pattern of Criticizing Political Elders
Abati went further, accusing Wike of having a long-standing habit of insulting people who should be respected in politics. He mentioned former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, as another person who had suffered from Wike’s harsh words.
“There is no time he has not insulted Peter Odili. He even referred to him as one man and his wife as one woman,” Abati said.
The Arise News host recalled how Wike also insulted Senator John Mbata, once considered Wike’s political godfather. These, according to Abati, show a disturbing trend.
“Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics. Who will Nyesom Wike not insult? He has shown signs that he is also going to insult President Tinubu.”
— Thεό Abu (@TheoAbuAgada) June 3, 2025
– Reuben Abati blasts the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike pic.twitter.com/5rpsxtyaUX
“Who will Nyesom Wike not insult?” Abati asked rhetorically.
He warned that Wike might turn on President Tinubu in the future.
“President Tinubu should beware, because tomorrow he will also abuse this same President Tinubu,” he concluded.
Abati’s tone was stern and serious, clearly seeking to raise alarm over Wike’s temperament and loyalty.
Wike’s Aide Fights Back: “Wike Retrieved Amaechi’s Mandate”
Wike’s camp did not take Abati’s comments lying down. His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, fired back with strong words.
Olayinka posted his response on his 𝕏 account. He rejected the idea that Amaechi is Wike’s political boss.
“So how is Rotimi Amaechi Wike’s boss in politics? When Amaechi was a House of Assembly member, Wike was a Local Government Chairman,” Olayinka wrote.
He continued by recalling the events of 2007, when Amaechi’s political future was in jeopardy, and he had to leave the country briefly.
“When Amaechi ran to Ghana in 2007, Wike was in Nigeria, leading the charge to retrieve Amaechi’s mandate,” Olayinka said.
He added a biting criticism of Abati himself, accusing him of hypocrisy.
“If we talk now, they will say we don’t respect elders. The same Reuben Abati, who was comfortable being on campaign podium as running mate to a fugitive who was wanted in America, will be forming Moral Police inside Arise TV studio,” he said.
Olayinka also accused Abati of being partisan while pretending to be neutral.
“Reuben Abati, a POLITICIAN who has a clear political affiliation, will be forming objectivity, just like @ruffydfire, a supporter of Labour Party,” he wrote.
Broader Political Tensions and Wike’s Role in Tinubu’s Cabinet
The verbal battle between Abati and Wike’s camp points to deeper political rivalries in Rivers State and in Nigeria’s political elite. Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers and a PDP strongman, caused shockwaves when he joined President Tinubu’s cabinet—a move seen by many as betrayal of his party.
Despite being a minister under an APC-led government, Wike still holds influence in Rivers State, where tensions have grown between his allies and Governor Sim Fubara, who succeeded him.
Wike’s blunt and confrontational style has won him supporters and enemies alike. Some admire his boldness, while others see it as reckless. His critics worry that his approach could destabilize the Tinubu administration if not checked.
With Abati warning that Wike is loyal only to himself, and Olayinka insisting that Wike has earned his place in Nigerian politics through hard work and courage, the clash reveals just how divided opinions remain.
What This Means for President Tinubu
For President Tinubu, this war of words is more than media drama. It raises real concerns about political loyalty, discipline, and power balance within his government. If Wike continues to dominate headlines with controversial statements and internal conflicts, Tinubu may face increasing pressure to either distance himself or manage Wike’s influence carefully.
For now, Wike remains in a powerful role, with the FCT under his control and his voice echoing across the political landscape. Whether that voice will help or hurt the Tinubu administration remains to be seen.
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