Abati, former presidential spokesperson, refuted the claims that he approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money, stating that such actions were not authorised by him and would be considered fraud if done by someone else.
Reuben Abati, a journalist and former presidential spokesman, has denied allegations made by Lere Olayinka, the media aide of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during an interview on Arise TV, saying he (Abati) never begged the minister for money.
Featuring on “The Morning Show” on June 6, 2025, Olayinka, who is Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, had accused Abati of hypocrisy, who portrays himself as a moral police on national television.
Olayinka had said, “Abati has always come to this station to present himself as a moral police to postulate and he will not one day tell us that at a moment in his life, he was a politician – a member of the PDP and was the party’s deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State and was comfortable having his picture displayed with somebody who was wanted by the American government for alleged drug trafficking.
“He was comfortable on the podium with somebody wanted by the American government for alleged drug trafficking.
“That is the person that will come here and pronounce with his mouth that a former governor and Minister that he once ran to for help is a rude person, he is a bully.”
He had also claimed that he went to beg the Minister for money.
In a reaction made available to SaharaReporters’ on Saturday, Abati, former presidential spokesperson, refuted the claims that he approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money, stating that such actions were not authorised by him and would be considered fraud if done by someone else.
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, I place a clear disclaimer. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.”
Abati explained that his engagement with the EFCC was a lawful and procedural process, and he was not asked to return any money.
He also expressed his disappointment with Olayinka’s use of the word “hubris,” saying he wouldn’t indulge in further responses.
He said, “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 issued an apology to me.”
Abati emphasised that Minister Wike, as a public official, should remain subject to public scrutiny and accountability.
“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.”
He also defended his stance on the late Buruji Kashamu, noting that allegations against him were never proven in court. He maintained that persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste and ethically questionable.
Abati clarified that he was not absent from The Morning Show to avoid discussion but was engaged in a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson – Life and Legend.”
He also denied being Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson or having his phone number, calling it a fabrication.
Abati concluded by appreciating his team’s professionalism and his wife’s support.
He called for true transparency, integrity, and boldness in public discourse in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply