Wike Allegedly Pays for Abuja Media Chat, Controls Narrative

The recent media chat featuring Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sparked controversy, with claims that he personally funds such engagements to control the discourse. According to media insiders, Wike reportedly pays as much as ₦6 million per hour to TV stations for the platform, ensuring that he dictates the flow of the conversation.

Veteran journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju weighed in on the matter, stating that these media appearances are not organic press conferences but rather paid slots where journalists have limited freedom to challenge Wike's assertions. "TV stations need the money in this harsh economy," Kolade-Otitoju noted. "You can't just walk out of the set, and you certainly can't insult him. If you do, you risk getting fired by your bosses."

A Controlled Conversation

Many who watched the media chat observed that it was less of a dialogue and more of a monologue, with Wike dominating the conversation and allowing little room for counterarguments. A viewer described it as "a platform for Wike to vent out his frustrations, disguised as opinions in the presence of media men."

His outbursts reportedly focused heavily on the political turmoil in Rivers State and his grievances with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rather than his role and achievements as FCT Minister. Critics believe this deliberate emphasis was intended to push his personal agenda rather than inform the public about his ministerial duties.

Chris Nwandu, another media personality, observed Wike's condescending attitude towards the journalists present, saying, "The way Wike addressed the journalists that interviewed him was as if they were his houseboys. I particularly pitied my friend Ayo. This arrogance is something else."

"He Wants to Be the Only One Talking"

Kolade-Otitoju also recalled his own experience during Wike’s media chat in 2022, where he, along with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, noticed the Minister's aversion to dissent. "He doesn’t want to see you argue with him. Because he is paying for it, he wants to be the only one talking. That is who he is," he revealed.

This aligns with the belief that the Minister uses these platforms to reinforce his narrative without genuine scrutiny from the press. Unlike conventional press briefings where journalists freely question public officials, Wike’s media engagements appear to be orchestrated to minimize pushback while allowing him to air his views unfiltered.

Political Undercurrents

Observers note that Wike’s increasing public outbursts correlate with the growing political tension in Rivers State. Since assuming office as FCT Minister, he has remained actively involved in the politics of his home state, often clashing with the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. His recent media chat further highlighted his ongoing rift with the PDP leadership, signaling that he is still very much in the power struggle within the party.

While some argue that Wike has the right to pay for media space as long as stations are willing to accept, others believe it sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom. If powerful politicians can buy airtime and dictate how journalists interact with them, it raises concerns about the independence of the Nigerian media in holding public officials accountable.

For now, Wike continues to use these media engagements to shape public perception, but whether this strategy will serve him politically in the long run remains to be seen.