Wike’s Aide to Abati: Quit Arise TV, Focus on Amaechi’s PR
Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has called on Arise TV anchor Reuben Abati to resign from his position as a broadcaster and instead take up the role of spokesperson for former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi.
Olayinka made the remarks on Friday, June 6, during his appearance on Arise TV, where he took issue with Abati’s recent criticism of Wike.
The tension stems from comments made by Amaechi at his 60th birthday celebration, where he lamented the level of hunger in the country and suggested that with opposition support, President Bola Tinubu could be unseated in the 2027 elections.
Wike, in response during a recent media briefing, dismissed Amaechi’s remarks as politically driven, questioning how someone who has held top political positions for two decades could claim to be hungry.
However, Abati, during a broadcast on June 3, took aim at Wike for his response to Amaechi, labeling the FCT Minister as “disrespectful” to those who were instrumental in his political rise. This prompted Olayinka’s fiery reaction.
During his appearance, Olayinka praised Arise TV for allegedly asking Abati to excuse himself from that day’s programme due to the brewing controversy. He accused Abati of abandoning journalistic impartiality and acting as a mouthpiece for Amaechi.
“Mr. Reuben Abati is not here today, and frankly, I wasn’t expecting him,” Olayinka said.
“I believe he has now assumed the role of special adviser on media to Rotimi Amaechi. It would have been inappropriate for him to interview me, given his obvious bias.”
He continued:
“Abati’s recent conduct on this platform was shocking. He sounded more like Amaechi’s spokesman than a journalist. If he has chosen to align with Amaechi politically, he should step down from his duties on Arise TV and officially take up that role.”
Olayinka also accused Abati of hypocrisy, noting that he had previously sought Wike’s support in the past and had no issues with him then.
However, co-anchor Rufai Oseni swiftly clarified during the show that Abati was not absent due to any disciplinary action but had called in sick, countering Olayinka’s insinuations.
The clash highlights growing tensions between allies of the two former Rivers State governors, Wike and Amaechi, as their long-standing political rivalry continues to play out on the national stage.
Wike’s Aide to Abati: Quit Arise TV, Focus on Amaechi’s PR