Arise News anchor, Reuben Abati has debunked allegations by Elere Olayinka, noting that the EFCC never asked him to return any money neither has he ever begged FCT minister, Wike for money.

The claims were made by Wike’s Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, during Arise News’ ‘The Morning Show’, on Friday including that Abati once begged money form Wike.

Meanwhile, Abati, on Saturday, in a press statement posted on social media, denied all claims stating that Olayinka is not his peer and he would prefer to face Wike heads on.

He said; “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. Such actions were not authorised by me, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call it out as fraud.”

On the issue of the EFCC asking him to return money, Abati that the anti-graft agency under former chairman Ibrahim Magu apologised to him and he was never asked to return any money.

Addressing Olayinka’s allegations which also included that Abati was asked to aside from The Morning Show on Friday, Abati said the aide was upset because Wike was called rude during the show.

Abati said he was never asked to step aside from the show rather, he was simply engaged although his colleague Rufai Oseni said on the show that Abati was indisposed and called in sick.

“I was engaged at a pre-scheduled book review for ‘Oprah Benson – Live and Legend (a 550-page publication by Dr Udu Yakubu),” he clarified.

While he stated that Wike is a public figure is subject to public scrutiny, Abati extended his appreciation to his colleagues, Mr Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri, for standing tall with professionalism and poise in the face of provocation.

He also thanked his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for being supportive.