Lere Olayinka Defends Wike, Slams Abati Over ‘Rudeness’ Comment

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come to the defence of his principal following recent criticism from veteran journalist and broadcaster Dr. Reuben Abati.

The dispute began after Abati, during a broadcast on Arise News, criticized Minister Wike’s remarks about former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili.

Abati described Wike’s comments as inappropriate and labeled the minister as “rude,” sparking a sharp reaction from the FCT Minister.

In a subsequent response, Wike did not hold back in his rebuke of Abati. Speaking at a public event, the former Rivers State governor accused the journalist of seeking relevance by attacking his personality.

Wike described Abati as a failure despite his impressive academic credentials and recalled a previous incident in which he claimed to have assisted Abati, suggesting the journalist had shown ingratitude.

“You sit down on television and begin to pontificate, all because you want people to think you know when clearly you are seeking attention.

“What has he achieved? What has he done with all his big grammar?, Wike said

While Reuben Abati has not directly responded to Wike’s personal attacks, the exchange has ignited heated discussions across political and media circles, raising questions about the tone of public discourse between journalists and government officials.

Amid the controversy, Lere Olayinka echoed his principal’s sentiments, condemning Abati for what he termed a “disrespectful and biased” assessment of Wike.

Olayinka accused Abati of failing in his duty as a journalist to provide balanced commentary and of allowing personal sentiments to cloud his judgment.

“It’s unfortunate that someone of Abati’s stature would descend to peddling insults under the guise of analysis.

“His remarks about the Honourable Minister were not only unprofessional but also laced with condescension,”Olayinka said.

The public spat comes at a time when Minister Wike continues to be a dominant voice in Nigerian politics, known for his blunt and confrontational style. Meanwhile, Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesman and respected media figure, remains a key voice in national commentary.

As the fallout from the exchange continues, observers have called for greater decorum from both public officials and members of the press, urging a return to respectful dialogue in the interest of national cohesion.