Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of lacking the moral ground to speak disparagingly about political figures such as Peter Obi, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Nasir El-Rufai.
Abati, who served as Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Jonathan, made the remarks on Tuesday during Arise TV’s Morning Show, where he is the lead anchor. He argued that Wike should focus on questioning his own character rather than attacking political opponents.
The comments followed Wike’s Monday media parley in Abuja, where the minister dismissed the prospect of Peter Obi returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and advised Jonathan not to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Abati faulted Wike’s position, insisting that the minister, who is now aligned with another political party, has no authority to determine the future of the PDP. He added that Wike’s actions and statements have done more harm to the party than Obi’s defection.
The veteran journalist further accused Wike of displaying a lack of decorum, stating that his frequent disparaging remarks about political opponents undermine his credibility. According to Abati, the media also shares blame for giving the minister platforms to insult opponents without offering the right of reply.
He concluded that while Wike has the mandate to speak on issues relating to the FCT, he should refrain from “recklessly” passing judgments on political opponents. Abati stressed that the Nigerian media must resist the temptation of promoting divisive commentary for monetary gain.
