Former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be wary of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following Wike’s recent verbal attacks on prominent political figures.
Speaking on The Morning Show, an Arise Television breakfast program on Tuesday, Abati, who co-hosts the show, criticized Wike for exhibiting what he described as “disrespectful and rude” behavior toward individuals instrumental to his political rise.
During a media interaction on Monday, Wike dismissed comments by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi about hunger in Nigeria, labeling them as “politically motivated.” Wike argued that Amaechi, having held various political offices for over two decades, could not genuinely relate to hunger.
In response, Abati accused Wike of recklessly criticizing his former political allies, attributing the behavior to a character flaw and a sense of “hubris.”
He noted that Wike has a history of disparaging those who supported his ascent, including former Rivers Governor Peter Odili, who played a pivotal role in Wike’s political journey.
Abati warned that this pattern of verbal assaults might eventually extend to President Tinubu if left unchecked.
“There is a basic principle in human relationships about your relationship with your bosses,” he said.
“I think Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his boss in politics.
“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 talks carelessly about his former bosses. I think he is disrespectful. This speaks to his character.”
Abati further highlighted Wike’s disrespect toward Odili, stating, “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. “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.
“Who will Nyesom Wike not insult? He has shown signs that he is also going to insult President Bola Tinubu.”
Abati pointed to Wike’s recent comments about Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, suggesting Wike hinted that he would have advised differently had he known earlier—an indication of disloyalty.
“In that interview, he pointed out that if he had known that President Tinubu was going to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, he would have offered a different kind of advice.
“That is already a signal to President Tinubu to know that this man you are dealing with, his only interest is his own interests. President Tinubu should beware. Tomorrow he will abuse this same President Tinubu,” he said.