Ovation publisher accuses FCT Minister of arrogance, historical amnesia, and political recklessness
Veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, Chief Dele Momodu, has issued a fiery response to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following the latter’s combative remarks on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
In a no-holds-barred interview aired Thursday evening, Wike took swipes at critics of his governance style and political alliances, even appearing to taunt some media professionals.
“Some of them used to come to me to eat food and beg for photo opportunities,” Wike said on live TV.
“Now they want to act like saints. Hypocrisy will not save them.”
The statement triggered immediate reactions online — and off. Chief Momodu, a prominent public figure and publisher of Ovation International, fired back in a strongly worded rebuttal, accusing Wike of “arrogance fueled by power and amnesia of history.”
“Wike needs urgent rescue before he goes stark in the marketplace,” Momodu stated.
“The amount of spittle he wasted on air could float a canoe in Rivers State.”
Momodu has since requested a formal right of reply on Channels TV, arguing that Nigerians — and President Bola Tinubu in particular — deserve to see “the full picture of the kind of political personality now operating unchecked in Abuja.”
Recounting a Past Relationship: Momodu recounted a previous encounter in which Wike — then Governor of Rivers State — sought a right of reply following a viral interview Momodu had conducted with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. According to him, Wike requested Ovation to visit Port Harcourt for project documentation and image branding.
“He invited me often, early in the mornings, just for photo-ops,” Momodu recalled.
“I introduced him to certain luxury brands. He began dressing better. He admired my ties to his former boss, Rotimi Amaechi. Back then, he was just an understudy. Now, money has transformed him into something unrecognizable.”
Responding to Wike’s food-related jab, Momodu dismissed it as “childish and beneath a minister,” stating:
“As stupendously wealthy as he is, his food wasn’t anything to remember. I didn’t go there for food. I went there to help improve his public image — and I did. I even have pictures of the gifts I gave him. I’ve been global long before he got his first passport.”
Social Media Reactions: The clash between the two influential figures quickly ignited social media, with Nigerians offering mixed reactions:
️ “Wike vs Momodu is the kind of reality TV Nigerian politics keeps serving. Entertaining but tragic,” — @KayceeWrites
️ “Dele Momodu is a veteran. Wike should respect those who paved the way.” — @DemocracyWatchNG
️ “Momodu saying Wike’s spit can float a canoe in Rivers State is peak Nigerian journalism shade.” — @AmakaAnalyst
The rift raises fresh questions about internal tensions among Nigeria’s political elite, especially within circles of influence surrounding President Bola Tinubu.
Momodu concluded his response with a cautionary note: “Nigeria is going through tough times. What we need now are leaders with humility, not politicians lashing out like street fighters. This is not democracy as we fought for it.”
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