LAGOS, Nigeria — Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr Reuben Abati, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to exercise restraint and vigilance in his dealings with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing the former Rivers State governor as “disrespectful, rude, and possessed by political hubris.”
Speaking during Tuesday, June 3, 2025’s edition of The Morning Show on ARISE Television, Abati accused Wike of a consistent pattern of betrayal and disparagement towards those who played pivotal roles in his political rise, warning that the FCT minister may eventually direct his “insults” at the President himself.
Abati’s remarks came in response to Wike’s scathing dismissal of former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s recent comment on hunger in Nigeria.
Wike, during a media chat on Monday, June 2, 2025, ridiculed Amaechi for claiming to be hungry, saying the former Rivers governor had enjoyed power and comfort for over two decades and was merely hungry for political relevance.
But Abati said Wike‘s reaction revealed a deeper character flaw.
“There is a basic principle in human relationships about your relationship with your bosses,” Abati said.
“I think Nyesom Wike is very rude and disrespectful. Rotimi Amaechi was his boss in politics. He helped him become chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA, then chief of staff, and even nominated him for ministerial appointment. But Wike speaks about him with disdain.”
Abati noted that Wike has a record of turning against his mentors, citing his public attacks on other political figures such as Sir Peter Odili, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, and PDP chieftain Chief Bode George.
“He insulted Dr Peter Odili — the man who helped him become governor. He once said publicly that Odili doesn’t qualify to be an elder,” Abati said.
“He also mocked Chief Bode George, calling him a ground rent debtor. Who has Wike not insulted?”
Abati warned that Wike’s recent commentary on the presidential declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State could be a prelude to turning against President Tinubu.
“In that same interview, he said if he had known President Tinubu was going to declare a state of emergency, he would have advised differently,” Abati noted.
“That’s already a subtle jab — a sign. Let me say it clearly: President Tinubu should beware. Tomorrow, he will insult this same President Tinubu.”
Wike, a strongman of Rivers politics, has been embroiled in feuds with several former allies.
His acrimonious fallout with Rotimi Amaechi dates back to 2014 when political succession disputes fractured their alliance.
Wike served as chief of staff under Amaechi, then became minister of state for education under President Goodluck Jonathan, and went on to become Rivers governor from 2015 to 2023.
Despite his history of loyalty demands, critics like Abati argue that Wike has repeatedly turned on those who helped shape his career.
“Hubris,” Abati concluded, “is Wike’s greatest undoing. It’s only a matter of time before he targets another benefactor.”
