‘Come And Sweat In Our Studio’ Abati Invites Wike For Tough Interview

‘Come And Sweat In Our Studio’ Abati Invites Wike For Tough Interview
Journalist accused Wike of avoiding direct media scrutiny.
Exchange triggered public spat involving Wike’s media aide.

Prominent journalist and ARISE News Morning Show anchor, Reuben Abati, has publicly invited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to appear on the programme, insisting the minister would face rigorous questioning if he accepts the invitation.

EDITOR’S PICKS

All You Need To Know About Makinde–Fayose Feud Over ‘₦50bn Disbursement’
Igbooye Kingdom Commemorates 1st Coronation Anniversary of Orijeru Oba Abdulrasaq with Nine-Day Festivities
N’Assembly Workers Protest Federal Character Breach

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Abati made the remarks during Tuesday’s edition of the ARISE News Morning Show, where he criticised Wike’s pattern of granting media interviews outside the studio while avoiding direct engagement with the programme’s panel.

According to Abati, the former Rivers State governor prefers selective media appearances where he controls the narrative, rather than subjecting himself to open scrutiny.

“He has gone from Abuja to Port Harcourt, only God knows where he is going for another media chat,” Abati said.

He added, “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. Let him come here.”

Abati’s comments quickly gained traction on social media, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians who debated the minister’s media strategy and the tone of the challenge.

Earlier on the programme, the journalist also criticised Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, accusing him of excessive loyalty and a lack of professional conduct. Abati referenced a recent incident in which Olayinka was seen kneeling to serve the minister, describing the act as inappropriate for a media professional.

According to Abati, such behaviour reflected blind loyalty rather than professionalism in public service communication.

Olayinka, however, responded sharply, firing back at Abati and dismissing the former presidential spokesman to ex President Goodluck Jonathan as a failure. His reaction escalated the exchange, turning it into a public war of words between both camps.

As of the time of filing this report, Wike has not responded to the invitation to appear on the ARISE News Morning Show or addressed Abati’s remarks.