By Omoniyi David
Former presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, warning that Wike’s history of turning against political benefactors may eventually extend to the president himself.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati described Wike as “rude and disrespectful,” accusing him of insulting those who helped shape his political career.
Abati’s remarks followed Wike’s Monday media chat, where the minister dismissed hunger-related comments by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as “politically motivated.”
Wike argued that Amaechi, after holding power for over two decades, could not understand the realities of hunger.
Abati, however, said Wike’s behavior revealed a serious character flaw.
“When he was LGA chairman during Amaechi’s second term, it was Amaechi who helped him.
“He later became Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and was nominated Minister of State for Education through him. Yet today, he insults him,” Abati said.
He also recalled how Wike publicly insulted former Governor Peter Odili, despite Odili’s support for Wike’s governorship bid, and how Wike once referred to Chief Olabode George as a “ground rent debtor.”
“There is no name he has not called Peter Odili and his wife. Who will Nyesom Wike not insult?” Abati asked.
He further warned that President Tinubu could be Wike’s next target, citing Wike’s recent statement regarding the alleged plan to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Wike had said he would have advised the president differently if consulted earlier.
“That is already a signal. President Tinubu should beware. Tomorrow, he will abuse this same President Tinubu,” Abati warned.
The former presidential aide concluded by advising the president to tread carefully in his dealings with Wike, whom he described as politically unpredictable and often ungrateful.
