Tag: Reuben Abati

Former presidential aide Reuben Abati has criticized Nicki Minaj’s recent speech at the United Nations on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing her involvement as inappropriate and attention-seeking. Minaj addressed the UN in New York alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who had praised her for using her platform to highlight the issue. Her remarks generated global attention, but Abati argued that the rapper lacked the background to speak on such a sensitive matter. “Nicki Minaj is a rapper from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She should focus on her music — Anaconda, her rap career, and her Barbs — rather than commenting on complex national issues,” he said. Abati also suggested that Minaj’s appearance was more about personal visibility than genuine concern for Nigeria. “She’s chasing clout, even though she was invited by a White House adviser and Michael Waltz,” he added. He proposed that Nigeria counter international influencers by featuring its own prominent figures to defend the nation’s image. “If Americans are bringing in influencers, we should do the same. During Nicki Minaj’s speech, Tiwa Savage or another Nigerian celebrity could have shared patriotic perspectives on national television,” Abati said, emphasizing that local voices should be ready to respond whenever global discussions touch on the country.