Wike’s Aide Urges Reuben Abati To Resign From Arise TV And Focus On Amaechi’s PR Role.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on veteran journalist Reuben Abati to resign from his role as a presenter on Arise Television and take up what he claims is Abati’s new position as spokesperson for former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. The statement, made during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise TV on Friday, 6 June 2025, has sparked a heated debate amid ongoing political tensions.
Olayinka’s remarks came in response to Abati’s earlier criticism of Wike, where the Arise TV co-host and former presidential spokesperson labelled the FCT Minister “rude and disrespectful” for comments made about Amaechi during a media chat on Monday. Wike had dismissed Amaechi’s recent claims of being “hungry” as politically motivated, arguing that the former Minister of Transportation, who held various political offices for over two decades, could not claim to be in need of food. Abati, reacting on Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, defended Amaechi, asserting that Wike’s remarks were inappropriate, given Amaechi’s significant role in Wike’s political rise.
“I was shocked to hear him turn himself into the spokesperson of Amaechi,” Olayinka said during the programme. “I want to suggest that since he is spokesperson to Amaechi, he should excuse himself from Arise TV and go and do his job properly.” Olayinka further claimed that Abati did not consider Wike “rude and disrespectful” years ago when he allegedly sought the FCT Minister’s assistance during a personal issue involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and funds linked to former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
The aide accused Abati of unprofessionalism, arguing that taking sides with Amaechi against Wike compromised his objectivity as a journalist. “Mr Reuben Abati is not here. I was not expecting him to be here because he took the position of special assistant on media to Rotimi Amaechi,” Olayinka stated, suggesting that Abati’s absence from the studio was deliberate. However, co-host Rufai Oseni countered this, clarifying that Abati had called in sick and was not instructed to stay away.
The exchange has reignited discussions about the rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, both prominent figures from Rivers State whose political fallout dates back to 2012. Amaechi, speaking at an event marking his 60th birthday, had expressed frustration about hunger in Nigeria and suggested that the opposition could unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. Wike, a staunch supporter of Tinubu despite his affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hit back, framing Amaechi’s comments as a bid for political relevance.
Olayinka’s call for Abati’s resignation has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the propriety of a journalist being drawn into political spats, while others see it as a reflection of the intense loyalties and rivalries in Nigerian politics. As the 2027 elections loom, this latest clash underscores the ongoing power struggle between two of Rivers State’s most influential political figures.
