Veteran journalist and Arise News anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has publicly responded to controversial claims made by Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during a fiery segment on The Morning Show last Friday.
Olayinka, appearing on the Arise News flagship programme, accused Abati of begging Wike for money and alleged that the anchor had become the unofficial spokesperson for former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. He also implied that Abati deliberately stayed away from the show to avoid a confrontation, saying, “I wasn’t expecting him to be here. He has taken the position of special assistant on media to Rotimi Amaechi.”
The outburst was seemingly triggered by Abati’s earlier critique of Minister Wike’s reaction to Amaechi’s recent statement. During his 60th birthday celebration, Amaechi had described himself as “hungry” a comment many interpreted as a subtle criticism of the current administration. Wike, a long-time political rival, dismissed the remark and questioned Amaechi’s integrity, given his past roles in government. Abati, in turn, described Wike’s response as “rude and disrespectful,” especially considering that Amaechi played a significant role in Wike’s political rise.
In a detailed response issued over the weekend and reported by GWG, Abati rejected Olayinka’s claims as false and defamatory. He said “I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I even have his phone number. That’s a complete fabrication,”
He also clarified that his absence from Friday’s show was due to a prior commitment to a book review for “Oprah Benson – Live and Legend,” written by Dr. Udu Yakubu, not an attempt to dodge Olayinka’s appearance.
Abati further addressed Olayinka’s reference to a past encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), explaining that his involvement was purely procedural. He noted that the agency, under former chairman Ibrahim Magu, had later issued a formal apology, confirming there was no criminal wrongdoing.
In a pointed critique of Olayinka’s rhetoric, Abati questioned the media aide’s misuse of the term “hubris” during the segment, suggesting a lack of intellectual depth unworthy of serious engagement.
He also refuted attempts to revive past allegations concerning the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, stating that no court either in Nigeria or abroad had ever convicted the deceased politician.
Despite the heated exchange, Abati reaffirmed his commitment to holding public officials accountable, “Public office holders must always be subject to scrutiny. That’s the essence of journalism in a democracy,” he asserted.
He concluded his statement by thanking his co-hosts, particularly Rufai Oseni and Vimbai, for maintaining professionalism during the show. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her enduring support: “Your strength remains my anchor.”
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