Veteran journalist and Arise News Morning Show anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has issued a strong rebuttal to comments made by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against him on a live TV show.
Recall that Olayinka, in what looks like a combative appearance on ‘The Morning Show’ on Friday, June 5, 2025, accused Abati, who was incidentally absent, of hypocrisy for describing Wike as “rude” over a recent comment by the FCT Minister on former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Olayinka alleged that Abati, a former presidential spokesman, once sought financial assistance from Wike during his reported entanglement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Wike’s aide also questioned Abati’s journalistic objectivity and accused him of being a mouthpiece for former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
But, in a detailed response, released on Saturday, Abati categorically denied Olayinka’s claims, describing his remarks as “lies and fabrications.”
“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money , that is a lie,” Abati stated.
“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 previous encounter with the EFCC, clarifying that it was part of a routine investigation and never resulted in any charges or restitution demands.
“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.”
Recall that Olayinka had also mocked Abati for defending Amaechi during the show, insinuating that he had a hidden allegiance to the former Rivers State Governor. But Abati dismissed these insinuations and took a swipe at Olayinka’s use of language on national television.
“Lere Olayinka clearly misused the word ‘hubris’ — a basic dictionary reference would have sufficed. I will not indulge further in responding to him directly; he is not my peer. I await a more meaningful conversation — if any — from his principal, not his proxy.”
He also refuted claims that he is an aide to Amaechi. “I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.”
Reacting to suggestions that he avoided appearing on ‘The Morning Show’ to dodge confrontation with Olayinka, Abati explained that he was absent due to a pre-scheduled engagement somewhere else.
“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 stated.
Reaffirming his earlier stance, Abati maintained that Minister Wike, as a public official, must be held to account for his statements and actions.
“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.”
On the issue of contesting on the same ticket with late Buruji Kashamu, the billionaire politician, in the Ogun State governorship race, Abati called for respect for the deceased, reminding the public that no court ever convicted Kashamu of any crimes.
“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.”
Abati concluded his statement by appreciating his colleagues on the TV show and family for standing by him.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to my diligent team — Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and our wider crew — for standing tall with pose and professionalism. And to my ever-supportive wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, your strength remains my anchor. May God bless Nigeria with true transparency, integrity, and boldness in public discourse,” Abati stated.
