Journalists on the ARISE News Morning Show have openly challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, daring him to appear on their programme for a live interview.
The challenge was issued during Tuesday’s edition of the show, which is anchored by Reuben Abati alongside Rufai Oseni, Ayo Mairo-Ese, and Ojy Okpe.
ARISE TV, owned by media entrepreneur Nduka Obaigbena, is widely known for its hard-hitting interviews and critical analysis of government policies.
The station has also been consistently critical of Wike, who is often described as one of the most outspoken figures in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
During the broadcast, the Morning Show panel questioned Wike’s frequent media appearances outside their studio, suggesting he avoids interviews where he cannot control the direction of the conversation.
Abati, a former presidential spokesman, accused the minister of deliberately steering clear of the ARISE News Morning Show because of its confrontational style.
“He has gone from Abuja to Port Harcourt, only God knows where he is going for another media chat,” Abati said during the programme.
“He doesn’t have the confidence to come to this studio. Let him come, he will sweat, even with the AC. In this studio, we will make him sweat. Let him come here,” he added.
The remarks immediately sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians debating whether the FCT minister would accept the challenge.
Morning Show Questions Wike’s Media Strategy
During the discussion, the anchors argued that Wike prefers selective interviews where he sets the tone and avoids critical pushback.
Abati claimed the minister often chooses platforms where conversations are friendly and tightly managed.
He suggested that the ARISE News Morning Show offers a different environment, one where public officials are pressed on policy details, contradictions, and accountability issues.
The panel insisted that Wike’s frequent visibility in the media made his absence from the programme more noticeable.
Rufai Oseni also questioned why a minister known for his bold public persona would avoid a live interview with journalists who regularly engage top government officials.
The Morning Show is known for hosting ministers, governors, and senior political figures across party lines.
Observers note that confrontations between ARISE News and senior government officials are not new, but the direct challenge issued on air added a sharper edge to the ongoing tension.
Swipe At Wike’s Media Aide Sparks Backlash
Earlier on the same programme, Abati also took aim at Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka.
He criticised Olayinka over a recent public display where the aide was seen kneeling while serving the minister.
Abati described the gesture as inappropriate for someone occupying a media and communications role.
According to him, such behaviour reflected excessive loyalty rather than professional conduct.
He argued that media aides should maintain professional distance and dignity, especially when representing public office holders.
The comments quickly drew a response from Olayinka, who fired back at Abati through his own media channels.
Olayinka reportedly described Abati as a failure and questioned his credibility, referencing his past role as media adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The exchange escalated into a public war of words, with supporters on both sides amplifying the feud on social media.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure within the ruling political structure, is known for his combative media style and frequent public media chats.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the FCT minister has not responded publicly to the invitation extended by the Morning Show panel, and some observers suggest he may not.
He is yet to comment directly Abati’s remarks or the exchange involving his media aide.
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