Veteran broadcaster and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has issued a stern warning to Tinubu regarding the growing influence and outbursts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati described Wike as “disrespectful and rude,” accusing him of routinely insulting political mentors who were instrumental to his rise in public life. He said Wike’s conduct was not just political, but a matter of character.
“There is a basic principle in human relationships about your relationship with your bosses,” Abati stated. “I think Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics.”
The remark followed Wike’s recent attack on former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, whom he dismissed as unqualified to speak on the hardship Nigerians are facing, claiming Amaechi could not relate to hunger given his decades-long public career.
Abati, reacting to the insult, reminded viewers that it was Amaechi who made Wike LGA chairman, chief of staff, and even helped him secure his first ministerial appointment.
“When he (Wike) was LGA chairman, during Amaechi’s second term, it was Rotimi Amaechi that helped him to become LGA chairman. Subsequently, he became chief of staff to Rotimi Amaechi. It was Amaechi who recommended him to become minister of state for education,” he said.
Abati didn’t stop there. He recounted how Wike had previously attacked former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili, and his wife, despite their central role in Wike’s 2015 governorship emergence, facilitated by former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.
“He had said publicly that Peter Odili does not qualify to be an elder. This was the same man that he was taken to by Dr Patience Jonathan to help him become governor,” Abati noted. “There is no name he has not called Dr Peter Odili and his wife. He referred to Chief Olabode George as a ground rent debtor.”
Pointing to a pattern of betrayal, Abati said Wike may soon turn against Tinubu, especially after hinting in an earlier interview that he would have offered the president different advice if he knew of the planned declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
“In that interview, he pointed out that if he had known that Tinubu was going to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, he would have offered a different kind of advice,” Abati said.
“That is already a signal to Tinubu to know that this man you are dealing with, his only interest is his own interests. Tinubu should beware. Tomorrow he will abuse this same Tinubu,” he added.
Wike, who currently serves in Tinubu’s cabinet as FCT Minister, has remained a controversial figure, often clashing with both allies and opponents. His recent media outings have drawn criticism for their aggressive tone and personal attacks.
