Ex-presidential aide Reuben Abati has reacted to Nicki Minaj’s United Nations appearance, insisting the rapper’s involvement in discussions about alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria was misplaced and driven by a desire for clout
Minaj had spoken at the UN in New York alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who earlier praised her for using her influence to highlight the issue.
Her remarks sparked global conversation—but Abati maintains she had no business taking on such a role.
Speaking on Arise News after her address, Abati said the rapper lacked the context and expertise needed for such sensitive matters.
“Nicki Minaj is a rapper from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She should focus on her Anaconda music, her rap music, and her Barbs,” he said, dismissing her contribution.
Abati also argued that Minaj’s participation was more about visibility than genuine concern.
“As far as I’m concerned, she’s chasing clout, even if she was invited by a White House adviser and Michael Waltz,” he said.
He suggested that Nigeria should counter international influencers with its own celebrity voices whenever national issues are being discussed globally.
“If the Americans are now using influencers, we also have ours. If I were advising on strategy, the moment Nicki Minaj was speaking, we should have put Tiwa Savage on national television to express her patriotic opinions,” Abati said.
He added that Nigerian public figures should be prepared to represent and defend the nation’s image whenever global narratives emerge.
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