Veteran journalist and Arise News anchor Dr. Reuben Abati has responded firmly to accusations made by Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. During a recent live broadcast of The Morning Show, Olayinka accused Abati of begging Wike for money and being biased toward former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. Olayinka also questioned why Abati was absent from the show that day, suggesting it was an attempt to avoid accountability.
The exchange followed a comment by Amaechi at his 60th birthday, where he described himself as “hungry,” widely seen as a critique of the current government. Wike dismissed the remark and questioned Amaechi’s credibility. Abati criticized Wike’s response as disrespectful, which appeared to trigger Olayinka’s sharp reaction on air.
Over the weekend, Abati denied all claims against him, calling them baseless and defamatory. He said he was not Amaechi’s spokesperson and did not even have his phone number. Abati explained his absence from the show was due to a prior commitment reviewing a book titled Oprah Benson – Live and Legend by Dr. Udu Yakubu, not an attempt to dodge questions. He also clarified that his dealings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were routine and procedural, not criminal investigations. The EFCC, under former chairman Ibrahim Magu, later apologized to him.
Abati criticized Olayinka’s use of the word “hubris,” suggesting it was misapplied and showed a lack of understanding. Despite the attacks, Abati criticized Wike, emphasizing that public officials must face public scrutiny. He also rejected attempts to revive old accusations against the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, pointing out that Kashamu was never convicted by any court in Nigeria or abroad.
Abati closed his statement by thanking his co-hosts, Rufai Oseni and Vimbai, for their professionalism during the tense broadcast. He also deeply thanks his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her constant support, calling her strength his anchor.
