Former presidential media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has denied allegations made by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of requesting money from the minister.
Olayinka, during an appearance on Arise News’ breakfast programme, The Morning Show, on Friday, had claimed that Abati had at some point sought financial assistance from Wike.
In a swift response on Saturday via a post on his social media handle, Abati described the claim as “a lie,” stating that he never approached the minister to solicit funds.
“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money – that is a lie,” Abati said.
He further issued a disclaimer, distancing himself from any individuals who may have falsely used his name to solicit funds from Wike.
“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,” he added.
Abati also addressed another allegation raised by Olayinka concerning his past interactions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He insisted that he was never directed by the anti-graft agency to return any funds, contrary to claims.
According to Abati, the EFCC, under its former chairman, Ibrahim Magu, later issued him an apology over the issue.
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