“Lere Olayinka Lied — I Never Begged Wike for Money!” Reuben Abati Slams Tinubu Aide in Scathing Rebuttal

Veteran broadcaster and co-host of Arise News’ The Morning Show, Dr. Reuben Abati, has publicly denied claims made by media aide Lere Olayinka during a recent appearance on the programme, firmly rejecting allegations that he sought financial favours from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

In a detailed statement released on Friday, June 6, 2025, Abati described Olayinka’s accusations as false, defamatory, and politically motivated. “I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money — that is a lie,” Abati declared. “If anyone — including an ex-partner — went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, 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 insinuations about his political loyalties, denying any affiliation with former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi. “I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication,” he stated.

Responding to Olayinka’s attempt to link him to past investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abati clarified the nature of his involvement. “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 apologized to me,” he revealed.

Abati also criticised Olayinka’s language and conduct, calling out his misuse of the term “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 added, in what appears to be a challenge directed at Olayinka’s political sponsor.

Clarifying his absence from *The Morning Show* on the day of Olayinka’s appearance, Abati explained he had been scheduled to speak at a book review. “I was not absent from the 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.”

Reaffirming his earlier criticism of Wike, Abati doubled down. “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.”

Addressing Olayinka’s reference to the late Buruji Kashamu, Abati reminded the public that Kashamu was never convicted of any crime during his lifetime. “Persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste and ethically questionable,” he said.

He concluded by thanking his team and family, particularly his wife, for their unwavering support. “My heartfelt appreciation goes to my diligent team — Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and our wider crew — for standing tall with professionalism and poise. 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.”