Ignore Lere Olayinka’s Assertion, I’ve Never Asked Wike For Financial Support-Abati

Mr Reuben Abati, who served as former president Goodluck Jonathan’s media aide during his presidency, has clarified and asserted that he has never asked Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike for financial support contrary to the allegations made by the minister’s media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka

Recall that Mr Lere Olayinka had made several allegations during the Arise News’ breakfast programme called ‘The Morning Show’, on Friday.

He claimed that Abati had once asked Wike for financial support.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Abati in a statement he made available on social media has denied asking the minister for financial support while however hinting at the possibility of someone doing this on his behalf.

‘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 pretenses to solicit funds in my name, I place a clear disclaimer. Such actions were not authorized by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud’ he said.

The former presidential aide also said he was never asked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return any money adding that it was rather the anti-graft agency under Ibrahim Magu’s leadership that apologized to him.

He also commented on his relationship with former Minister for Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

 ‘I am not Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson, nor do I have his phone number. That’s a fabrication’ he said.

That was not all, Abati also asserted that he was not asked to step aside from The Morning Show on Friday as claimed by Mr. Olayinka.

‘I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for ‘Oprah Benson – Live and Legend’ a 550-page publication by Dr Udu Yakubu’ he submitted while noting that he stands by everything he had said about Wike.

‘The minister is a public official and he is subject to public scrutiny’ he said.

 Recall that Mr Olayinka had got angry because Abati said the FCT minister was ‘rude’.

Mr Abati also said it is wrong to amplify accusations against late Kashamu Buruji as if he was ever declared convicted by a court of law.

‘On the matter of late 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 person is in poor taste and ethically questionable’ Abati submitted while appreciating his colleagues; Mr Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri, for ‘standing tall with professionalism and poise’ in the face of provocation.

 He was also thankful to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for being supportive-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you