By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati has firmly denied allegations made by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that he once begged the minister for money.
Olayinka had made the accusation during a live appearance on Arise News’ The Morning Show last Friday, alleging that Abati sought financial assistance from Wike. In a sharp rebuttal posted on social media Saturday, Abati dismissed the claim as “a lie,” distancing himself from any such solicitation.
“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money – that is a lie,” Abati wrote. “If anyone – including an ex-partner – went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, I place a clear disclaimer.”
He further clarified that if such an incident occurred, it was done without his authorization and could amount to fraud.
Abati also addressed another issue raised by Olayinka—that he had been asked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return money during his time in government. According to Abati, no such request was made, and the EFCC under former chairman Ibrahim Magu even issued an apology to him.
“The anti-graft agency under Magu apologized. I was never asked to return any money,” Abati said.
Reacting to the public smear, Abati refused to trade insults, saying he would not engage with Olayinka, “who is not my peer,” but would respond only to Wike if necessary.
He also debunked the insinuation that he had any working relationship with former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication,” he clarified.
Addressing Olayinka’s insinuation that he was removed from Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Abati explained that he was away attending a previously scheduled book review event for a 550-page publication titled Oprah Benson – Live and Legend by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
Abati stood by his earlier description of Wike as “rude,” reiterating that as a public official, Wike must be subject to scrutiny.
Finally, Abati condemned repeated efforts to smear the reputation of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, asserting that the allegations against the senator were never proven in court during his lifetime, either in Nigeria or abroad.
He concluded by expressing appreciation for his colleagues Rufai Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri, praising their professionalism, and thanked his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her unwavering support.
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