By Samuel Adeola
Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, has warned President Bola Tinubu to tread carefully in his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, cautioning that Wike’s track record suggests he may eventually turn against the President.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV on Tuesday, Abati described Wike as “rude, disrespectful, and self-serving,” alleging that he has a history of publicly disparaging political mentors who played pivotal roles in his rise to power.
Abati referenced the former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who, according to him, helped Wike ascend from local government chairman to chief of staff and later nominated him as Minister of State for Education.
Despite this, Wike recently dismissed Amaechi’s concerns over rising hunger in Nigeria, describing them as “politically motivated” and suggesting Amaechi could not possibly be hungry after more than two decades in public service.
The former presidential aide also pointed out that Wike once publicly disrespected former Rivers Governor Peter Odili, who, alongside Dame Patience Jonathan, was instrumental in Wike’s emergence as governor.
“Wike once said Odili is not qualified to be an elder,” Abati recalled.
Wike’s penchant for verbal attacks, Abati noted, extends beyond Rivers politics.
He mentioned how Wike publicly referred to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart Chief Bode George as a “ground rent debtor.”
According to Abati, Wike’s behavior signals a pattern of betrayal and ingratitude.
He cited Wike’s recent comments implying disapproval of Tinubu’s approach to the political crisis in Rivers State as an early sign of friction.
“When Wike said he would have advised differently if he had known about the planned state of emergency in Rivers, that was not just criticism, it was a subtle jab,” Abati observed.
“President Tinubu should beware,” he cautioned. “Wike has no permanent loyalty. Today it’s Amaechi and Odili; tomorrow, it may well be Tinubu.”
