Reuben Abati Slams Wike Over Church Thanksgiving, Calls It “Childish” and Abuse of Office
Reuben Abati Slams Wike Over Church Thanksgiving, Calls It “Childish” and Abuse of Office
Arise News anchor and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, has sharply criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent thanksgiving service, calling the event a misuse of public office and a show of self-indulgence.
The outburst followed Wike’s church service held at Saint James Anglican Church, Abuja, where he marked what he described as his administration’s achievements in the nation’s capital. However, during a live broadcast on Arise News, Abati described the act as “childish” and likened it to public self-praise.
“You have a minister who goes to church to masturbate — to engage in self-adulation. I find that very childish,” Abati stated.
Citing Section 10 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which upholds the secular nature of the state, Abati accused Wike of blurring the lines between religion and governance by using a religious platform for political validation.
“It’s a misuse of public office and a breach of the secular nature of our government,” he added.
Beyond the thanksgiving event, Abati launched a broader critique of Wike’s political conduct, pointing to what he described as a “troubling pattern” of verbal attacks on political opponents and their families. He referenced Wike’s past feuds with former Rivers governors Dr. Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as his clash with journalist Dele Momodu.
He expressed particular concern over Wike’s alleged comments targeting Amaechi’s wife, describing the inclusion of family members in political battles as unethical and irresponsible.
“How does a wife get into this?” Abati asked. “This obsession with attacking families is reckless and beneath the dignity of a public officer.”
In a more damning remark, Abati proposed that public office holders should undergo basic intelligence tests before being appointed.
“We should start giving people IQ tests before putting them in office,” he said. “If you don’t have basic intelligence, don’t go near power.”
He ended his remarks with a note of caution to President Bola Tinubu, urging the president to evaluate the character and temperament of individuals appointed to high-profile roles in his administration.
“President Tinubu should beware. He should pay attention to the character of the people that he puts in very important positions,” Abati concluded.
