Popular journalist and co-anchor of the ARISE News Morning Show, Reuben Abati, has openly challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to appear on the programme for what he describes would be a tough and unfiltered interview.
Abati threw the invitation and shade during Tuesday’s live broadcast, questioning why Wike grants media chats across the country yet avoids the ARISE News Morning Show panel.
According to him, Wike prefers selective media appearances where he can “control the narrative.”
“He has gone from Abuja to Port Harcourt, only God knows where next. He doesn’t have the confidence to come to this studio. Let him come, he will sweat, even with the AC. In this studio, we will make him sweat,” Abati said.
His comment quickly caught fire on social media, sparking debates about whether the former Rivers State governor would accept the challenge.
Abati vs Olayinka – A Media Clash
Earlier on the show, Abati also criticised Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, accusing him of being excessively loyal and even kneeling to serve his boss, which he described as unprofessional.
Olayinka did not take kindly to the remarks — firing back and labelling Abati, who once served as presidential media aide to Goodluck Jonathan, a “failure.”
The exchange has now grown into a full-blown media war between both sides, with many Nigerians watching to see what happens next.
As at the time of filing this report, Wike has not responded to the ARISE TV invitation or Abati’s comments.