Former presidential media aide, Reuben Abati, has strongly denied allegations that he ever solicited funds from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following claims made by the minister's media aide, Lere Olayinka.
The controversy erupted after Olayinka appeared on Arise News' breakfast programme, 'The Morning Show,' on Friday, where he made several allegations against Abati, including claims that the former presidential aide had previously approached Wike for financial assistance.
In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Abati categorically refuted these allegations, stating: "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 pretences to solicit funds in my name, I place a clear disclaimer."
He further emphasized that any such actions "were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud."
EFCC Allegations Also Denied
Abati also addressed another allegation regarding his dealings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He insisted that he was never asked by the anti-graft agency to return any money, claiming that the EFCC under former chairman Ibrahim Magu had actually apologized to him over the issue.
This public exchange highlights growing tensions between the media aides and political figures, coming at a time when political alignments continue to shift in Nigeria's capital territory administration.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been in the news recently for various reasons, including his statements on security issues and his administration's policies in the Federal Capital Territory.
Neither Wike nor his office has issued an official statement regarding the allegations or Abati's response as of the time of this report.
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