Revealed: Abati Once Pleaded With Wike For EFCC Financial Bailout – Olayinka
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that journalist Reuben Abati and his wife once visited Wike to seek financial assistance during Abati’s reported troubles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Olayinka made the claim on Friday during a live appearance on Arise Television while reacting to Abati’s comments criticizing Wike for speaking out against individuals who had supposedly supported him in the past.
Olayinka accused Abati of acting like a spokesperson for former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
He alleged that Abati sought a bailout from Wike when he faced EFCC scrutiny over funds allegedly received from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
“I was surprised to hear him sounding like Amaechi’s spokesperson. If that’s the case, he should resign from Arise TV and formally take up that role,” Olayinka said.
“He shouldn’t use a respected media platform to vent personal grievances or vendettas against Wike. It’s clear he harbors resentment and calls Wike rude and wicked.
“But when he ran into trouble with the EFCC over Dasuki-linked funds, both he and his wife knew how to find Wike’s house to plead for help — and Wike wasn’t rude then.”
Olayinka further criticized Abati for often portraying himself as a moral authority on TV without acknowledging his own political background, including his past affiliation with the PDP.