In a dispute that threatens to eclipse even the most rancorous of Nigeria’s political spats, veteran broadcaster Reuben Abati has vehemently rejected allegations that he once “begged” the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for money.
The sensational exchange began on Arise News’ flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, when Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, accused Abati of soliciting funds from his principal under false pretences.
Abati, who served as presidential spokesman under former President Goodluck Jonathan, responded with blistering contempt in a statement shared on social media.
“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money – that is a lie,” he declared, threatening legal action against anyone who “solicits funds in my name” without authorisation.
In a further attempt to clear his name, Abati pointed out that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Ibrahim Magu had not only never demanded the return of funds from him but had formally apologised for any insinuations to the contrary.
This public feud raises urgent questions about journalistic integrity and the weaponisation of innuendo in Nigerian politics.
Nigeria’s media landscape is already fraught: the country ranks 112th out of 180 nations in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, a marked improvement from 123rd in 2023, yet still indicative of significant governmental pressure and legal threats against journalists.
Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders warns that media ownership and political interference continue to curtail impartial reporting.
Abati did not stop at refuting the money-begging claim. He categorically denied ever being asked to “step aside” from The Morning Show, explaining that his absence was due to a pre-arranged book review for Dr Udu Yakubu’s 550-page tome, Oprah Benson – Live and Legend.
He also dismissed suggestions that he represents former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, noting that he neither holds the title of Amaechi’s spokesperson nor possesses his contact details.
At the heart of Abati’s criticism is a broader condemnation of Olayinka’s tactics. By targeting a respected journalist with unfounded allegations, he argues, Wike’s camp undermines the very notion of public scrutiny that is fundamental to democracy.
“The minister is subject to public scrutiny,” Abati insisted, highlighting how unchecked accusations erode public trust in both media practitioners and public officials.
Perhaps most cutting was his rebuke of renewed attacks on the late Senator Buruji Kashamu.
Olayinka revived unsubstantiated claims against Kashamu, even though the allegations were never proven in any court of law—either in Nigeria or abroad—and remain ethically dubious to amplify posthumously.
Kashamu’s legal travails, including a contested US extradition attempt in the late 1990s, ended without conviction.
In closing, Abati lauded his colleagues Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri for maintaining “professionalism and poise” amidst provocation, and thanked his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for her unwavering support.
Yet, one cannot help but wonder: when media aides resort to incendiary falsehoods, as being alleged by Abati, who will safeguard the very principles of truth and accountability they purport to defend?
Atlantic Post writer Osaigbovo Okungbowa contributed to this report.
