Veteran journalist and Arise TV anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has lashed out at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments about former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi. Abati described Wike as “rude and disrespectful,” insisting that Amaechi remains his political superior.
Abati’s reaction comes after Wike, during a media briefing on Monday, dismissed Amaechi as a power-hungry politician. “Now that they are out of power, they say they are hungry. It’s not hunger for food. It’s hunger for power,” Wike had said, a clear jab at his longtime political rival.
Responding on Arise TV the following morning, Abati criticised Wike’s tone and attitude, stating that Wike owes much of his political rise to Amaechi. “I think that Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics,” Abati said.
He went on to remind viewers of his early political career, noting that it was under Amaechi’s mentorship and support that he rose to prominence. “When he was local government chairman—or was it councillor—during Amaechi’s second term, it was Rotimi Amaechi who helped him to become local government chairman,” he added.
Abati also recalled the FCT minister’s history of public verbal attacks on elder statesmen, particularly former Rivers governor Peter Odili. “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, highlighting what he sees as a pattern of disrespect.
He further warned President Bola Tinubu to be cautious in dealing with the former Rivers state governor, noting the FCT Minister’s tendency to fall out with past allies. “Who will Nyesom Wike not insult? He insulted Senator John Mbata, who was his godfather at some point. He also showed signs that he will insult President Bola Tinubu,” Abati warned.
Pointing to the FCT minister’s recent comment that he might have offered “a different kind of advice” had he known Tinubu would consider declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, Abati noted that the minister was already signalling disloyalty. “That is already a signal to Tinubu that this man you are dealing with is only interested in his permanent interests, not permanent friends,” he concluded.
According to Abati, the FCT minister’s political record shows a recurring pattern of betrayal, and President Tinubu should take note before becoming the next target of his shifting loyalties.
