Abati denies begging Wike for financial assistance

Senior journalist and an anchor of the Arise News The Morning Show, Reuben Abati, has denied the allegation of Lere Olayinka, the spokesman for the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Olayinka had in series of rant on Arise News on Friday, accused Abati of seeking financial aid from Wike to settle a case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Olayinka s outbursts was in reaction to Abati’s criticism of Wike’s media parley where he described his former boss, Rotimi Amaechi in unpleasant words. Abati then referred to Wike’s action as rude.

In a right to reply opportunity afforded Wike, he deployed his spokesman, Lere Olayinka to Arise studio. Olayinka, seizing the opportunity, spewed series of insults to both Abati and his colleague, Rufai Oseni, while making specific allegations against Abati.

In a statement on Saturday posted on his X handle, Abati denied the allegations.

He said: “I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money – that is a lie. If anyone – including an ex-partner – went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, place a clear disclaimer. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.

“Like many others, I was invited by the EFCC for questioning – a lawful and procedural engagement. At no time was I asked to return any money. In fact, the EFCC under Former Chairman, Ibrahim Magu later apologized to me.

“Lere Olayinka clearly misused the word
“hubris” — a basic dictionary reference would have sufficed. I will not indulge further in responding to him directly; he is not my peer. I await a more meaningful conversation – if any – from his principal, not his proxy.

“Am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.

“I was not absent from The Morning Show on Friday to avoid any discussion. I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend”, a 550-page publication by Dr. Udu Yakubu. It was an honourable intellectual commitment.

”I stand firmly by everything I said regarding Minister Wike. He is a public official occupying a public office. He is, and should remain, subject to public scrutiny. Nobody in public service is above accountability.

”On the matter of Late Buruji Kashamu, it is important to state that the allegations against him were never proven in any court of law. Until his death, he was never convicted of any crime, either in Nigeria or abroad. Persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste and ethically questionable.

”My heartfelt appreciation goes to my diligent team – Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and our wider crew – for standing tall with professionalism and poise. And to my ever-supportive wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, your strength remains my anchor. May God bless Nigeria with true transparency, integrity, and boldness in public discourse.”