Olayinka dismisses Abati’s claim that Amaechi is Wike’s political boss

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has strongly challenged the claim by veteran journalist Reuben Abati that Rotimi Amaechi is Wike’s political superior.

Olayinka also refuted suggestions that Wike is disrespectful or rude.

Abati, during a segment on Arise News on Tuesday, had reacted to Wike’s criticism of Amaechi—specifically Wike’s accusation that Amaechi was “power-hungry” and failed to deliver even 10% of the vote for Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election. Abati asserted that Wike owed much of his political rise to Amaechi.

“Wike is very rude and disrespectful. Amaechi is his political boss. He made Wike LGA Chairman during his second term as governor, appointed him Chief of Staff, and even recommended him for a ministerial post,” Abati had said.

In a swift response posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Olayinka dismissed the assertion that Amaechi holds political authority over Wike.

He pointed out that Wike was instrumental in reclaiming Amaechi’s 2007 governorship mandate while the latter had fled to Ghana.

Olayinka also accused Abati of political bias and hypocrisy.

He wrote:
“I watched Egbon @abati1990 on Arise News this morning claiming the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is rude and disrespectful because Rotimi Amaechi is his political boss.

“If we respond, they’ll accuse us of disrespecting elders. This same Reuben Abati, who once campaigned as running mate to a fugitive wanted in the US is now playing Moral Police in the Arise studio.

“Abati, a politician with clear political leanings, pretends to be objective—just like @ruffydfire, an open Labour Party supporter.

“So I ask: How exactly is Amaechi Wike’s political boss? While Amaechi was in the State Assembly, Wike was already a Local Government Chairman.

“When Amaechi ran off to Ghana in 2007, it was Wike who stayed behind and led the fight to reclaim his mandate. But I’ll leave it there for now.”