Abati fires back at Wike’s aide over money-begging claims, distances self from ex-partner

Former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati has strongly denied accusations made by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Olayinka, speaking on Arise News’ The Morning Show on Friday, alleged that Abati once solicited financial assistance from the FCT minister.

In a statement released on Saturday via social media, Abati dismissed the claims as baseless: “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 also responded to another assertion made by Olayinka, saying he was never asked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return any funds. He noted that during the tenure of former EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu, the agency actually issued him an apology.

Dismissing Olayinka’s relevance, Abati said he does not consider the aide his equal and will refrain from further engagement unless addressing Wike directly.

“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication,” he said.

He further rejected Olayinka’s suggestion that he was removed from The Morning Show’s Friday edition:

“I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for ‘Oprah Benson – Live and Legend’, a 550-page publication by Dr Udu Yakubu,” he clarified.

Abati reiterated his previous criticisms of Wike, stating that public figures must be open to scrutiny:

“The minister is a public official and is subject to public scrutiny.”
Addressing past controversies surrounding the late Buruji Kashamu, Abati added:

“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.”

He also took a moment to commend his Morning Show co-hosts, Rufai Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri, for their conduct during the incident, and expressed appreciation to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her unwavering support:
“[They stood] tall with professionalism and poise,” he said.