Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on former presidential candidate Reuben Abati, accusing him of hypocrisy and double standards.
In a statement made on Friday, Olayinka alleged that Abati was once a governorship running mate to a drug lord wanted by United States authorities, while simultaneously portraying himself as a moral authority on national television.
Past Political Affiliations Exposed
Olayinka's comments came in response to Abati's criticism of Minister Wike, whom Abati had described as "rude" following Wike's remarks about former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
"Abati has always come to this station to present himself as a moral police to postulate and he will not one day tell us that at a moment in his life, he was a politician – a member of the PDP and was the party's deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State," Olayinka stated during an appearance on Arise Television's Morning Show.
He further claimed that Abati "was comfortable having his picture displayed with somebody who was wanted by the American government for alleged drug trafficking" and "was comfortable on the podium with somebody wanted by the American government for alleged drug trafficking."
The Buruji Kashamu Connection
The allegations refer to Abati's political history in 2019, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State selected him as running mate to its then-governorship candidate, the late Buruji Kashamu. Prior to his death, Kashamu was reportedly wanted by the United States government on drug trafficking charges.
"That is the person that will come here and pronounce with his mouth that a former governor and Minister that he once ran to for help is a rude person, he is a bully," Olayinka added, suggesting that Abati had previously sought assistance from Wike.
This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between supporters of Minister Wike and his political opponents, particularly in relation to the former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
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