‘I Never Begged Wike For Money’ – Abati Slams Spokesman Lere Olayinka
Arise TV anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, has refuted claims by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that he once sought financial help from the minister during an encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The claims were made by Olayinka on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he alleged that Abati and his wife visited Wike to solicit a bailout following EFCC investigations linked to funds disbursed by former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
But responding on Saturday, Abati described Olayinka’s comments as “lies” and “fabrications.”
He said, “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 addressed his invitation by the EFCC, asserting that it was procedural and that he was never asked to refund any money.
“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 issued an apology to me,” the TV anchor said in a statement.
Abati further criticised the minister’s spokesperson’s misuse of the term “hubris” during the live broadcast.
“A basic dictionary reference would have sufficed,” he said while dismissing Olayinka as “not my peer.”
According to Abati, he is not affiliated with former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.
“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 added.
Olayinka had during his appearance on the TV station criticised Abati’s handling of issues involving Wike on Arise TV.
He accused the broadcaster of bias, and alleged that Abati’s past political affiliations should disqualify him from speaking on moral grounds.
‘I Never Begged Wike For Money’ – Abati Slams Spokesman Lere Olayinka is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
