An aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticized veteran journalist and Arise TV anchor Reuben Abati over his recent comments against the minister, accusing him of hypocrisy and political bias.
In a strongly worded statement, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, questioned Abati’s moral authority to critique Wike, referencing the journalist’s past political affiliations. “The same Reuben Abati, who was comfortable being on a campaign podium as running mate to a fugitive wanted in America, is now acting as Moral Police inside Arise TV studio,” Olayinka stated, alluding to Abati’s 2019 deputy governorship candidacy in Ogun State under the PDP with the late Buruji Kashamu.
Olayinka also accused Abati of partisanship,. “Reuben Abati, a POLITICIAN, who has a clear political affiliation, will be forming objectivity,” he said.
The aide further dismissed Abati’s claim that former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi holds political seniority over Wike. “When Amaechi was a House of Assembly member, Wike was a Local Government Chairman. When Amaechi fled to Ghana in 2007, Wike was in Nigeria, leading the charge to retrieve Amaechi’s mandate,” Olayinka argued.
The exchange follows heightened tensions between Wike and Amaechi, former allies turned rivals. On June 2, Wike publicly downplayed Amaechi’s political relevance during a media chat, mocking his inability to deliver votes for PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections despite his APC membership.
