Veteran journalist and Arise Television co-host, Reuben Abati, has broken his silence following accusations made by Lere Olayinka, the media aide to Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Olayinka, who appeared on The Morning Show last Friday, had launched a scathing attack on Abati, accusing him of bias against Wike and alleging that he was acting in support of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi. He further claimed Abati once sought financial assistance from Wike and questioned the journalist’s professional conduct on national television.
Reuben Abati: “I Did Not Beg Wike for Money”
Responding in a detailed statement shared via his social media platforms on Saturday, Abati categorically denied all allegations and provided clarity on his absence from the show during Olayinka’s appearance.
“I was not absent from The Morning Show to avoid any discussion. I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for Oprah Benson Live and Legend, a 550-page publication by Dr. Udu Yakubu. It was an honourable intellectual commitment.”
He further rejected claims that he had any financial dealings with Wike or a relationship with Amaechi.
“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.”
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.”
Accountability, Not Bias
Abati emphasized that his criticisms of Wike were objective analyses based on the minister’s public behavior, particularly accusations of disrespect toward political allies, including Amaechi.
“Public figures, especially those in positions of power, must remain accountable for their conduct. Commentary rooted in fact and observation should not be mistaken for personal bias.”
Kashamu Reference: “Unproven Allegations Should Be Handled Responsibly”
Olayinka had also referenced Abati’s 2019 political alignment with the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, who faced allegations of drug trafficking before his death. Abati clarified that the accusations were never proven in court and resurfacing them without legal backing was ethically flawed.
“Olayinka Is Not My Peer”
Abati concluded his rebuttal by brushing off Olayinka’s remarks as unworthy of serious consideration and signaled openness to a more direct conversation with Wike himself.
“I do not consider Mr. Olayinka to be my peer. I look forward to a more meaningful conversation with the principal himself, Minister Wike, should he ever deem it necessary.”
