Arise News anchor Reuben Abati has strongly denied claims made by Nyesom Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissing allegations of begging for money, EFCC issues, and being sidelined from ‘The Morning Show
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]euben Abati Refutes Allegations made by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
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The Arise News anchor has vehemently dismissed several claims put forth by Olayinka during his appearance on Arise News’ breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Among the various allegations, Olayinka asserted that the former presidential spokesman had once begged Wike for money.
Responding decisively in a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Abati declared: “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, I place a clear disclaimer. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.”
Addressing another significant allegation, Abati stated unequivocally that he was never asked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return any money.
He further added that the anti-graft agency, under its former chairman Ibrahim Magu, had apologised to him regarding past issues.
Abati also made it clear that he did not consider Olayinka his peer and would not engage in further responses to him, reserving his comments for Olayinka’s principal, Minister Wike.
He also dismissed another claim, asserting, “I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.”
Furthermore, Abati denied Olayinka’s assertion that he was asked to step aside from ‘The Morning Show’ on Friday.
He clarified, “I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for ‘Oprah Benson – Live and Legend,” a 550-page publication by Dr Udu Yakubu.”
Abati affirmed that he stood by everything he had said regarding Wike, which had apparently provoked Olayinka’s anger after the broadcaster described the FCT minister as “rude.”
Abati underscored that the minister is a public official and, as such, is “subject to public scrutiny.”
He also touched upon the matter of the late Buruji Kashamu, stating: “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.”
Finally, Abati expressed his appreciation for his colleagues, Mr. Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri, for “standing tall with professionalism and poise” in the face of provocation.
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He also extended thanks to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her unwavering support.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
