Reuben Abati has denied claims that he once begged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for money, calling the allegation false and malicious. The accusation came from Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, who clashed with Arise TV co-hosts during a heated broadcast.
- Olayinka accused Abati of bias in favour of Rotimi Amaechi and claimed he once sought Wike’s help.
- Abati said he was absent from the show due to a prior book review engagement, not to dodge confrontation.
- He stated he has never acted as Amaechi’s spokesperson and doesn’t even have his phone number.
- Abati maintained that if anyone solicited money in his name, it was without his consent and should be treated as fraud.
- He affirmed that Wike, as a public official, is not above criticism or scrutiny.
Abati’s reply walks the line between personal dignity and public accountability. While Olayinka went low, Abati kept it measured, insisting on facts and drawing a line between himself and any unauthorised financial solicitations.
As media and politics intertwine, Abati’s stance reinforces that accountability cuts both ways. But will Wike or his camp escalate this further?
