“Be Worried About Fuel Prices, Not Iran,” – Reuben Abati Tells Shiite Protesters

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has advised Shiite protesters in Nigeria to shift their attention from demonstrations in support of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to the economic consequences of the Middle East crisis.

Abati spoke on Tuesday during the “What’s Trending” segment of The Morning Show on Arise Television, where he expressed concern that a complex geopolitical conflict was being framed primarily as a religious issue in Nigeria.

He noted that religion remains a sensitive and polarising subject in the country, making it easy for international developments to take on sectarian dimensions locally. According to him, the crisis in the Middle East involves power struggles among global actors, yet public reactions in Nigeria appear to focus largely on religious affiliations.

Abati questioned whether some protesters fully understand the broader dynamics of the conflict, suggesting that certain groups may have mobilised participants without adequately explaining the issues at stake.

He urged Nigerians to prioritise the potential economic impact of the crisis, particularly rising living costs and increases in fuel prices. Abati observed that fuel prices have already climbed in Nigeria and other parts of the world, warning that further escalation could deepen economic strain on citizens.

Rather than staging demonstrations driven by sentiment, he said Nigerians should prepare for the possible economic fallout of the conflict.

Abati also called for unity across religious lines, encouraging both Sunni and Shiite communities to support global efforts aimed at peace.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that the Inspector General of Police has directed commissioners nationwide to remain vigilant to ensure that tensions linked to events abroad do not destabilise the country.