- Safiu Kehinde
Popular Nigerian journalist, has denied begging the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for money while also debunking other claims made against him by the Minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Good Morning programme on Thursday, Olayinka had slammed Abati over his remark against Wike.
The FCT Minister’s spokesperson commended Arise TV for stepping the ex-Presidential aide down from the interview session with him.
Olayinka had on the interview chided Abati for calling Wike rude in defense of former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
While claiming Abati is the new spokesperson to Amaechi, Olayinka recounted how the journalist and his wife had alleged sought Wike’s help during his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reacting in a statement issued on his X handle, Abati denied seeking financial assistance from Wike.
He further clarified that he was only invited by the EFCC for questioning and never asked to return any money, adding that the then chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu, later issued an apology to him.
Abati also dismissed Olayinka’s claim of being a spokesperson to Amaechi, labelling it a fabrication.
“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. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.
“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.
“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.
“I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication.” He said.
Meanwhile, as against his colleague, Oseni Rufai, who in defense of his absence at the show, claimed he called in sick, Abati held that he was engaged in a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson – Life and Legend”, a 5550-page publication by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
“I was not absent from The Morning Show to avoid any discussion. I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for “Oprah Benson – Life and Legend”, a 5550-page publication by Dr. Udu Yakubu. It was an honourable intellectual commitment.” He said.
The ex-Presidential spokesperson however held his stance on his criticism of Wike, stressing that he is a public official who remain subject to scrutiny.
Reacting to Olayinka’s claim that the late Nigerian businessman and former Ogun state governorship candidate, Buruji Kashamu, was wanted by the United States, Abati who served as his running mate held no allegations were proven against Kashamu.
Abati expressed his gratitude to Rufai and his other colleagues for their professionalism in the course of the interview with Olayinka who at a point also slammed Rufai while challenging his credence during the programme.
“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 matter of Buruji Kashamu, it is important to state that 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.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to my diligent team — Rufai Oseni, Vimbai, and our wider crew — for standing tall with poise and professionalism.” He added.