Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused Reuben Abati, accusing the veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson of hypocrisy and selective morality.
Olayinka made the remarks on Friday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he criticized Abati for allegedly portraying himself as a “moral police” while failing to acknowledge his past political affiliations.
“Abati Was Comfortable Aligning With a Wanted Drug Lord” — Olayinka
Olayinka pointed to Abati’s 2019 political alliance with the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, who the U.S. government wanted on drug trafficking charges before his death. At the time, Abati served as Kashamu’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State’s gubernatorial election.
“He was comfortable on the podium with somebody wanted by the American government for alleged drug trafficking,” Olayinka said.
Criticism Over Wike-Amaechi Feud
Olayinka’s comments were a direct response to Abati’s criticism of Nyesom Wike, who recently made controversial statements about his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation.
Abati had described Wike’s tone and words as rude, sparking backlash from Wike’s allies, including Olayinka.
“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,” Olayinka added.
Abati’s Role Under Scrutiny
Olayinka argued that Abati’s media presence often portrays him as a figure of high moral authority, yet his past political choices, including his association with a controversial figure like Kashamu, raise questions about his credibility.
“Abati has always come to this station to present himself as a moral police… He will not one day tell us that he was once a politician — a member of the PDP and was the party’s deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State,” Olayinka stated.
Background
Reuben Abati, currently a co-host on Arise TV’s popular “Morning Show,” served as the spokesperson to former President Goodluck Jonathan. While he has since returned to media and commentary, his brief stint in active politics remains a point of contention among critics.
