Former presidential aide Reuben Abati has dismissed Nicki Minaj’s recent United Nations speech on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, claiming the rapper was simply chasing clout.

Minaj spoke at the UN in New York alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who had praised her for using her platform to highlight the issue. While her remarks attracted global attention, Abati argued that Minaj lacked the context and expertise to address 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 national issues,” he said.

Abati suggested that her 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 further recommended that Nigeria respond to international influencers by showcasing its own celebrities to defend the country’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, stressing that local voices should be ready to counter global narratives about the nation.